Manipur: Jiribam declared no-fly zone ahead of Rahul Gandhi's visit

Imphal: Jiribam district in Manipur, bordering Assam's Cachar district, has been designated a no-fly zone for drones and quadcopters with immediate effect as security measures are intensified ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's proposed visit on on Monday (July 8, 2024).

Jiribam District Magistrate, Krishna Kumar, IAS, issued an order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, following intelligence reports of potential security threats. The ban will remain in effect until Gandhi leaves the state.

The restrictions cover drones, remote-controlled micro-light aircraft, para-gliders, para-motors, hand gliders, and hot air balloons within the district, with exemptions for security forces.

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This precautionary measure addresses possible activities by terrorist and anti-national elements amidst the ongoing communal violence between the Kukis and Meities.

Security has also been reinforced along National Highway 37, connecting Imphal to Silchar via Jiribam district headquarters.

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Relief camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been established in Jiribam, and checkpoints have been set up at various locations, including entry and exit points.

According to K Meghachandra, president of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, Rahul Gandhi will fly from Delhi to Silchar and travel by road to Jiribam, covering a distance of about 44 km.

During his visit, he will meet with Congress leaders and IDPs in Jiribam before returning to Silchar airport to fly to Imphal.

Gandhi's itinerary includes visits to Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and Imphal, where he will meet displaced people in relief camps to assess their conditions.