Shillong, May 5: In view of the unprecedented ethnic violence in Manipur over the past two days and the prevailing tense situation, the Government of Meghalaya has initiated all possible measures to evacuate its students and civilians from the northern eastern state.
Meghalaya Govt has commissioned special flights to bring back its stranded people from Manipur, including 50 students from the Agriculture University, 10 students from Food Technology Institute, 25 members of the Lajong football team, and others.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday evening had informed that around 200 citizens of Meghalaya are stranded in Manipur, especially in Imphal, and that special arrangements were being made to safely evacuate and bring them back to State.
The Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the PMO, Ministry of Home Affairs, DG Assam Rifles, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and private airlines, took all essential safety precautions to guarantee the passengers’ safety throughout flight, a press note from the government said.
As of Friday noon, more than 25 citizens are on the way to Meghalaya via Guwahati through different flights. Along with flights, special buses are bringing over 60 students to Meghalaya, it added.
Additionally, the Government of Meghalaya has also launched a helpline for citizens who may require further assistance. The helpline number is 1800-345-3644, and citizens can call for any kind of assistance they may need. Also, students of agriculture and food technology can reach out to the Nodal Officer, Remdor Dkhar (+91 98631 14387), Dr. Paul Chyne (9863089972), can also be contacted for any queries regarding medical students.
A delegation of three officials led by Health Minister Dr. Ampareen M Lyngdoh, and comprising of Political Secretary & OSD to Chief Minister Daniel Thangkiew, and SP of West Garo Hills Dr. Viveknanda Singh Rathore, has travelled to Imphal for supporting the evacuation process.
Speaking about the efforts made by the government, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said, “We are bringing back our stranded citizens through regular flights and chartered flights with special permission, who wish to return to Meghalaya. The Lajong football team has already been escorted to the airport, and we are making every effort to ensure the safe and timely return of all our citizens. I would like to urge the students from Meghalaya who are studying in Manipur and their parents to please don’t panic and be calm. We are working closely with the Union & State governments, security agencies to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made for the safe return of our students and citizens.”
