Imphal airport suspends operations after drone sighting near runway

Guwahati: Flight operations was suspended in Imphal airport in Manipur following the citing of drone. A senior police officer who do want to be named told ET, "An IndiGo flight from Agartala to Imphal reported the drone around 2 pm. The flight was at an altitude between 3,600 and 4,000 feet. Fligh operation were temporarily halted."


Shivkanta Singh, Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, while urging the public not to fly drones in the area adjacent to the airport, said, “If anybody knows about anyone flying a drone in between Sanjenthong to Kwakeithel, please inform immediately to bring it down. It’s affecting flight movement”.

Officials cautioned that violations of drone regulations will invite strict legal action under applicable laws. “Ensuring the safety and security of passengers and aircraft remains our highest priority."

Last year Assam Rifles had deployed anti-drone systems in the fringe areas of Imphal Valley in Manipur to repel any “rogue drones”.

CRPF, which is deployed in Manipur, has also tested an anti-drone system and “given it to the force deployed in the state”.

Militants arrested

The security forces in Manipur have arrested four militants belonging to two different banned outfits, two extortionists, and two drug peddlers, and recovered drugs worth Rs 6 crore during the past 24 hours.

A police official said that the security forces, as part of their ongoing crackdown on outlawed militant groups, had arrested four militants belonging to the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and the People's Liberation Army (PLA)/Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) from Bishnupur and Imphal West Districts.