N Biren Singh Seeks Centre’s Intervention to Safeguard Manipur’s Historic Koirengei Airfield

Guwahati: Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has called on Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to step in and ensure the protection of the historic Koirengei airfield, describing it as an irreplaceable symbol of both the state’s and the nation’s wartime legacy.

In a post on social media platform X, Singh stated that throughout his tenure as Chief Minister from 2017 to 2025, he had repeatedly written to successive Defence Ministers requesting that the World War II-era airfield be preserved. He highlighted the site’s historical importance, noting that Koirengei served as one of the key Allied airstrips during the Second World War.

Singh said several rounds of discussions had taken place between officials of the Ministry of Defence and the Manipur government over the years regarding the matter.

Expressing concern about recent developments, the former Chief Minister said he was distressed by reports of demolition and fresh construction activities at the site, despite long-standing appeals for its conservation. He added that these developments had caused unease among local residents.

Urging Rajnath Singh to take immediate action, Singh appealed for the airfield to be protected in the broader interest of Manipur and the country.

He further pointed out that more than 300 acres of land had already been donated to the Assam Rifles and are currently occupied by the Inspector General Assam Rifles (South). In addition, over 100 acres have been allocated to the Border Security Force, with these establishments located near the Koirengei airfield.

Stressing the site’s historical and emotional significance, Singh said preserving the airfield would honour a shared heritage that belongs not only to Manipur but to the nation as a whole.

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