Imphal, June 21 2010: Zeliangrong Youth Front, Nungba Zone today expressed strong objection to the Cabinet decision of taking out the responsibility of maintenance and improvement of NH-53 from the BRTF/BRO and handing over to state Public Works Department (PWD).

Government's hasty decision without consultation with the people residing on the sides of the highway is nothing but ignoring the plight and sentiments of the people of the area, a statement of the front dispatched by its information and publicity secretary, Gaireilung Rongmei lamented.

Citing the example of poor maintenance of road in the district, the ZYF stated that everyone is aware of the deplorable condition of Khongsang- Tamenglong Road before it was handed over to the BRTF/BRO.

The only 39 km long stretch of road diverted from the NH 53 to Tamenglong district Headquarter was in pitiable condition because of the failure of State PWD in executing the works and maintaining the road, the front pointed out.

When improvement works of this short stretch of road could not be taken up properly , how could the PWD maintain more than 200 km long Imphal-Jiribam section of the highway, the Front asked.

Government decision will amount to wastage of public money, the statement observed cautioning that the Zeliangrong Youth Front will be compelled to launch protest if the state fail to review its decision to take over NH 53 from the BRTF/BRO.