N Biren urges Defence Minister to protect WWII-Era Koirengei Airfield

Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh has appealed to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to halt ongoing construction and alteration at the historic Koirengei airfield, describing it as a significant World War II heritage site.
In a statement shared on social media, N Biren Singh said that during his tenure from 2017 to 2025, he had written on several occasions to successive Defence Ministers seeking preservation of the airfield, which served as a key Allied base during World War II. He added that multiple rounds of discussions were held between the Defence Ministry and the Manipur government regarding its protection.
Expressing concern over recent developments, N Biren Singh said it was distressing to witness continued construction activity at the site despite earlier appeals and consultations. He noted that the situation has generated unease among sections of the public.
Referring to land allocations in the area, he stated that over 300 acres had been donated to the Assam Rifles and are currently occupied by IGAR (South), while more than 100 acres have been allotted to the Border Security Force near the airfield.
Describing Koirengei as part of the nation’s shared wartime legacy, N Biren Singh urged Rajnath Singh to intervene and ensure its protection in the larger interest of Manipur and the country.