IAF airlifts 132 NCC cadets stranded in Manipur to Assam amid security crisis
Synopsis
Three IAF AN-32 aircraft airlifted 132 NCC cadets from Imphal on 23 May after Manipur's security crisis blocked all road exits — 60 to Jorhat, 72 to Guwahati — ensuring they reached home in time for exams. The operation highlights how the state's prolonged internal conflict is now directly disrupting youth programmes and requiring military assets for routine welfare missions.
Key Takeaways
The Indian Air Force airlifted 132 NCC cadets from Imphal on 23 May 2026 amid Manipur's prevailing security situation.
Three AN-32 aircraft were deployed — evacuating 60 cadets to Jorhat and 72 cadets to Guwahati .
The cadets had attended the NCC NER Flying Camp in Imphal from 11 to 20 May 2026 and were unable to return by road.
The operation was coordinated by the NCC NER Directorate , Headquarters DG NCC , and Headquarters Eastern Air Command .
Cadets reached home in time for their examinations; the Ministry of Defence and Defence Minister were specifically thanked for support.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on 23 May 2026 airlifted 132 NCC cadets stranded in Imphal to Guwahati and Jorhat in Assam, after road movement restrictions imposed amid the prevailing security situation in Manipur made surface travel impossible. The operation, executed using three AN-32 aircraft, brought the cadets safely home in time for their examinations.
How the Evacuation Unfolded
The cadets had attended the NCC North Eastern Region (NER) Flying Camp in Imphal from 11 May to 20 May 2026. Following the conclusion of the camp, deteriorating ground conditions and restrictions on road movement left them unable to return home independently. The NCC NER Directorate coordinated the emergency response in consultation with the Headquarters Director General NCC and the Headquarters Eastern Air Command.
On 23 May, the IAF mounted a special airlift comprising three AN-32 aircraft — evacuating 60 cadets to Jorhat and 72 cadets to Guwahati. Officials described the action as reflecting 'the true spirit of jointmanship and commitment towards the safety and welfare of youths.'
Relief for Families and Cadets
According to officials, the swift response ensured the cadets reached their destinations in time for scheduled examinations, providing what was described as 'immense relief and happiness' to parents and family members who had been anxiously awaiting news. The cadets reportedly conveyed their heartfelt gratitude for the support extended during the operation.
The NCC Directorate North Eastern Region, in a post on its official X handle, said: 'Safe, united and resilient! NCC cadets from the Northeast expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Defence, IAF and NCC Directorate for the swift airlift operation carried out during challenging circumstances in Manipur.' A second post from the directorate confirmed: 'The successful evacuation reflects the spirit of teamwork, care and unwavering commitment towards cadet welfare and national unity.'
Coordination and Official Recognition
Officials noted that special thanks were extended to the Defence Minister, the Ministry of Defence, and the Indian Air Force for their 'unwavering support' during the operation. The multi-agency coordination — spanning the NCC directorate, Eastern Air Command, and the ministry — was cited as central to the mission's success.
Context: Manipur's Ongoing Security Situation
Manipur has been under severe strain due to an ongoing internal security crisis that has periodically disrupted road connectivity across the state. This evacuation is among the more visible instances of the IAF being deployed for civilian welfare operations within the region, underscoring how the conflict continues to affect ordinary life — including that of students and youth programme participants. The NCC Flying Camp, a regular feature of the Northeast's cadet calendar, had proceeded as planned before the security situation escalated sufficiently to block road exits.
Point of View
Yet cadets could not leave by road three days later, points to a ground situation that remains volatile and unpredictable. The multi-agency response — NCC directorate, Eastern Air Command, Ministry of Defence — was efficient, but the need for it raises harder questions about when normalcy returns to a state where youth programmes require military extraction plans as a contingency.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the 132 NCC cadets stranded in Manipur?
The cadets had completed the NCC NER Flying Camp in Imphal on 20 May 2026 but could not travel home because restrictions on road movement were imposed amid the prevailing security situation in Manipur. The IAF was called in to airlift them to Assam on 23 May.
How did the IAF carry out the evacuation?
The Indian Air Force conducted a special airlift on 23 May 2026 using three AN-32 aircraft, flying 60 cadets to Jorhat and 72 cadets to Guwahati. The operation was coordinated between the NCC NER Directorate, Headquarters DG NCC, and Headquarters Eastern Air Command.
Were the cadets able to reach home in time for their exams?
Yes. According to officials, the swift airlift ensured that the cadets reached their destinations in time for their scheduled examinations, providing relief to both the cadets and their families.
Who coordinated the NCC cadet evacuation from Imphal?
The evacuation was planned by the NCC NER Directorate in consultation with the Headquarters Director General NCC and in coordination with the Headquarters Eastern Air Command. The Ministry of Defence and the Defence Minister were also acknowledged for their support.
What is the NCC NER Flying Camp?
The NCC North Eastern Region Flying Camp is a scheduled training programme for NCC cadets from the northeastern states. The May 2026 edition was held in Imphal from 11 to 20 May before the security situation in Manipur disrupted the cadets' return journey.
