In continuation of the efforts to help the stranded students of Tripura studying in Manipur, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has arranged special flights to bring back the students from violence affected Manipur.

Tripura government led by Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Friday spoke to Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and requested for special aircraft arrangements. In that context, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the decision to operate an additional commercial flight from Imphal to Agartala. The flight will reach Agartala from Imphal at midnight on Saturday.

The government has also said that if any parents are interested in bringing their children back to Tripura, they can contact the helpline (0381-241-6045/241-6241 and WhatsApp number 8787676210) in this regard immediately.

Earlier, in the day, two review meetings were held in this regard under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Saha.  Senior officials including Chief Secretary JK Sinha and Director General of Police (DGP) Amitabha Ranjan were present along with concerned secretaries.

Later, the Chief Minister held a discussion with the parents of the students studying in Manipur. Parents of Tripura students studying in RIMS at Manipur met the Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha over safety and security of all students stranded in Manipur.  The parents also spoke to the Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh through the mobile phone of Dr Saha. Tripura government has arranged special flights to evacuate students and about 208 students to be brought back to their native state.

A decision was taken last night to bring the students of the state by special flight. Another flight has been arranged from Imphal to Guwahati in addition to the special flight at midnight on Saturday. On the other hand, a special team has been sent to Manipur today by the state government to bring and coordinate the students studying in Manipur.

Speaking at the press conference at the Civil Secretariat on Saturday afternoon, Chief Minister Dr Saha said that in association with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, the state government has arranged 3 flights of Indigo to bring back all stranded students.

He said that the Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh has also assured full-proof security for all Tripura students.

Earlier, on Friday Chief Minister had also detailed discussion with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and highlighted overall safety and security of all stranded Tripura students.

The Chief Minister said that the parents of Tripura students have appealed to the state government to evacuate the stranded students and considering the present situation, the government has decided to bring back all students.

He said that by Saturday midnight, a special Indigo flight with 171 students will arrive at Agartala airport from Imphal and another flight with 37 students studying in Central Agriculture University will also land at Guwahati airport from Imphal. They will bring to Agartala on Sunday from Guwahati. He said that all fair costs of all stranded students will be borne by the state government.