Why has the Churachandpur administration banned aerial devices amid PM Modi's expected visit?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Churachandpur district bans aerial devices ahead of PM Modi's visit.
- The ban includes drones, UAVs, and balloons.
- Security measures are heightened in anticipation of a VVIP.
- Violators face legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- The Bairabi-Sairang railway project is set to enhance connectivity.
Imphal, Sep 4 (NationPress) In light of media speculation regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s impending visit to Manipur on September 13, the administration of Churachandpur district has enacted a ban on the operation of aerial devices, including drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), balloons, and any other flying apparatus throughout the district.
While the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has yet to provide official confirmation, numerous reports indicate that the Prime Minister is anticipated to tour Imphal, the capital of Manipur, and the Churachandpur district headquarters following the inauguration of the newly built 51.38 km Bairabi-Sairang railway project in Mizoram, which will connect Aizawl as the fourth capital city in the Northeast by rail. Churachandpur District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S has declared the entire hill district a 'No Drone Zone' in an order issued on Thursday.
The District Magistrate's order states that due to the potential visit of a VVIP, comprehensive security measures are being implemented.
“To enhance security, restrictions on aerial photography and videography via the use of drones, balloons, etc., which could present a risk to law and order, are necessary; thus, there is ample justification for immediate preventive action,” the order elaborated.
The DM explained that under the authority granted by section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to ensure and bolster security during the VVIP’s visit, the entirety of Churachandpur District is designated as 'No Drone Zone', prohibiting the flight of any aviation devices including UAVs, drones, and balloons, unless sanctioned by the government, with immediate effect until further notice.
Violating this order will result in legal repercussions under section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with other applicable legal provisions, as stated in the order.
Earlier, the Manipur government instructed senior civil and police officials to prepare for the anticipated visit of a VVIP to the state.
A notification from the General Administration Department, however, did not specify the name of the VVIP or the visit date.
As per a notification obtained by IANS, Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel convened a meeting with senior civil and security officials earlier this week to assess preparations for the anticipated visit of a VVIP to the state.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for a grand organization of the VVIP visit.
“All security measures as per Blue Book, including the installation of jammers, sanitization, and anti-sabotage checks of the route and venue at Kangla Fort (in Imphal) and in Churachandpur district,” stated the notification.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma previously mentioned that the Prime Minister is expected to be on a two-day visit to Assam on September 13-14.
The visit of PM Modi is tied to the centenary celebrations of cultural icon and Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, with official celebrations also commencing on September 13 in Guwahati.
Officials in Mizoram revealed that the Prime Minister will visit Mizoram on September 13 to inaugurate the newly constructed 51.38 km Bairabi-Sairang railway project. Informal reports suggest that after Aizawl, the Prime Minister will likely visit Manipur, marking his first trip since the ethnic violence erupted in the state in May 2023. However, senior officials in both Mizoram and Manipur have yet to receive formal confirmation regarding the Prime Minister’s visit to Manipur.
Meanwhile, both the Mizoram government and Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) officials earlier indicated that the Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the Bairabi-Sairang railway project on September 13, enabling Aizawl to become the fourth capital city in the Northeast connected by rail.
An official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) stated that Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, during the 15th Conference of the Mizoram Police Service Association (MPSA) on August 22, hinted that the Prime Minister would likely flag off the Bairabi–Sairang railway project on September 13.
A senior official from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) headquarters in Maligaon (near Guwahati) revealed that on September 13, the Prime Minister is most likely to inaugurate the 51.38 km new railway line project from Bairabi, adjacent to Assam's Hailakandi district, to Sairang, near Aizawl, establishing direct rail access to the Mizoram state capital for the first time.