Edited by: Sandeep Dhand
WebDesk X ( Ludhiana )
24 January 2024
In a harrowing incident at Mizoram’s Lengpui airport, a Myanmar army aircraft crash-landed during a mission to evacuate soldiers who had sought refuge in Mizoram. The aircraft, tasked with airlifting Myanmar army personnel fleeing rebel conflict, experienced a mishap resulting in a crash on the tabletop runway. The Tuesday morning incident left 14 crew members onboard, with four reported to be critically injured and receiving medical attention at Lengpui hospital.
The ill-fated mission aimed to transport 276 Myanmar army soldiers who had sought shelter in Mizoram after escaping conflict with rebels in their home country. The aircraft, scheduled for multiple sorties to bring these soldiers back home, faced a tragic turn of events.
Following the crash, all flights to Aizawl airport were diverted as a precautionary measure. A government official from Mizoram confirmed this development, highlighting the severity of the situation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) swiftly ordered an investigation into the incident to ascertain the cause of the crash.
This unfortunate event echoes a similar episode from the previous year when 104 Myanmar army personnel were evacuated to the border town of Moreh in Manipur by Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters. The soldiers were then repatriated to Myanmar from different locations in Mizoram.
As the rescue and repatriation efforts unfold, questions arise about the safety protocols and circumstances surrounding the crash. The aviation community is keenly awaiting the findings of the DGCA’s investigation to shed light on the incident.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in military operations, especially when intertwined with humanitarian missions. The consequences of conflict reverberate beyond borders, impacting lives and emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts to address crises and their aftermath. The global community watches with concern as details emerge, hoping for the swift recovery of the injured and a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances leading to this unfortunate incident.