Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has formally requested intervention from Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to safeguard the historic Koirengei airfield in Manipur, which served as a crucial Allied airfield during World War II. Singh, who represented the Heingang Assembly Constituency and served as Chief Minister from 2017 to 2025, emphasized that throughout his tenure, he consistently urged the preservation of this significant site through multiple letters to Defence Ministers. In his recent posts on social media platforms X and Facebook, he noted the importance of Koirengei airfield as an invaluable part of both local and national heritage and mentioned that he had engaged in several discussions with Defence Ministry officials and the State Government regarding its conservation.
Singh expressed deep concern over the ongoing destruction and new constructions occurring at the site, which he opined have caused considerable distress among the local populace. He reiterated his plea to the Defence Minister, highlighting that the preservation of Koirengei airfield is vital not only for the people of Manipur but also for the nation as a whole. Singh pointed out that over 300 acres of land have already been allocated to the Assam Rifles, currently occupied by IGAR South, with an additional 100 acres designated for the BSF, both of which lie in close proximity to the airfield. This continued encroachment, he fears, threatens the integrity of the historic site.
