Stir against airport expansion continues

Imphal, Mar 13 (UNI) Flights today operated normally at the Tulihal airport here even as the Joint Action Committee (JAC) continued its stir for the second day in protest against the acquisition of land for the airport's expansion.

Meanwhile, an irate mob burnt the effigy of Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel at Ningombam.

Adequate security arrangements were made in view of the strike and police sealed off the airport area completely, while the CRPF personnel were guarding the airport premises.

JAC publicity secretary A Dineshwar said the residents of Ningombam, Malom and Kodompokpi gave about 600 acres of land in 1960 for the airport. However, the government had demanded another 512 acres of land at the area where large number of people were settled.

The Civil Aviation Minister had earlier announced that the airport modernisation programme would be completed by 2010.

The JAC has threatened to disrupt all flight services tomorrow.

UNI NS DPM SYU DS1400