Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday received the first food grains consignment by train from Punjab at Khongsang Railway Station, Noney district.
The goods train started its journey from Dhuri in Punjab on July 6, carrying 949 metric tons of rice in its 15 wagons.
The chief minister went to Khongsang Railway station in Noney district by helicopter to receive the consignment whereas his security convoy went by road.
The hiring rate for a VVIP helicopter ride goes by the hour and it ranges from Rs 1 lakh to 3 lakh hourly according to knowledgeable sources.
Khongsang Railway station is at a distance of around 95.5 km from Imphal via NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar).
The advanced security convoy of CM was ambushed on June 11 at T Laijang village near Kotlen, Kangpokpi district along NH-37 in connection with the proposed visit of CM to Jiribam following the re-ignition of Manipur violence in Jiribam district after a man was found killed by armed miscreants on June 6.
Speaking on the occasion at Khongsang railway station, CM Biren appreciated PM Modi for sending the food grains to Manipur through railways. He said the railway station had already received essential commodities twice earlier.
Biren said with the commitment of the prime minister and efforts from security forces, Railway officials, Food Corporation of India (FCI), it has been possible to receive the consignments.
The chief minister appreciated the central and state forces for their dedicated service in trying to restore peace in Manipur, adding that normalcy is returning like before.
He expressed happiness on seeing the people of the area coming forward to work in the railway station.
Biren said the state government, under the supervision of the Central government, has been taking various measures to prevent shortage of essential commodities including edible items, petroleum products and cooking gas.
CM Biren thanked civil society organisations, village chiefs and youths of Khongsang for cooperating with the state government’s initiatives.
It may be mentioned that 60 trucks of Food Corporation of India (FCI) are ready to lift the food grains to Imphal with security convoy.
The reception programme was also attended by Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai; Chairman, Hill Area Committee Dinganglung Gangmei; Deputy Commissioner, Noney, Sharath Chandra Arroju; Assistant Commercial Manager, NF Railways, Lumding Circle Dipankar Sarkar; Deputy General Manager (Region), FCI Regional Office, Manipur K. Satya Kumar and Divisional Manager, FCI, Imphal Adani Mao among others.
