GORAKHPUR, May 2 -- Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Friday assured Buddhist monks that flight operations from Kushinagar International Airport would resume soon. His assurance gained significance as regular flight services from Kushinagar Airport were suspended in late 2023 due to low demand, despite the airport being upgraded with instrument flight rules (IFR) capability, enabling all-weather, day-and-night operations. He expressed pride in being a "descendant of Ashok" and highlighted the importance of spreading the message of peace associated with Gautam Buddha. Maurya recalled leading a delegation to Kalmykia, Russia, in October 2025 to showcase sacred relics of Lord Buddha, emphasising peace over war. Earlier in the day, Maurya, along with deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak, offered Chivar to Lord Buddha at the revered Mahaparinirvana Temple on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. The ceremony was attended by a large number of monks, devotees, and international guests on the temple premises, where Buddha is believed to have attained Mahaparinirvana. Addressing the gathering, Pathak said that the teachings of Lord Buddha-based on non-violence, compassion, and coexistence-remain highly relevant in today's world and offer a pathway to global peace and social harmony. He also criticised opposition parties, alleging that the Samajwadi Party seeks power to serve family interests and is not committed to the welfare of the public. Pathak added that the state government has decided to renovate sites around Dr BR Ambedkar Park and statues of other prominent national leaders. htc...