NH blockade suspended
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 13 2014 :
Along with the lifting of indefinite blockade imposed on Imphal-Jiribam highway since May 7, the agitation of prohibiting railway construction work has been temporarily suspended after the Joint Forum for Transport Welfare Association (JFTWA), Tamenglong and the Chief Secretary came to an understanding at a meeting today.
The forum called the blockade in protest Government's alleged failure to repair the Tamenglong-Khongsang road.
On account of the blockade, a large number of loaded trucks have been stranded at Jiribam.
Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga and Principal Secretary (Works) held a meeting with representatives of the forum this afternoon.
Zeliangrong Union advisor R Chandra Haomei, ZU central executive member Th Gaikhemei, VACC secretary Rapaulung Panmei, Jeishingkhou Kamei of the Land Ownership Action Committee, JFTWA secretary Damei Joseph, ZYF Tamenglong zone vice chairman Amos Gonmei and Land and Properties Owner Association NH-37/39 secretary SK Adipou were also present at the meeting.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, SK Adipou said that the blockade was called in pursuit of the twin demands for keeping Tamenglong-Khongshang road under the responsibility of BRO and payment of compensation to land owners affected by road expansion.
The Chief Secretary while assuring that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways would be approached to send a written instruction to BRO to repair/develop Tamenglong-Khongshang road at the earliest, sought two weeks time.
Acting on the Chief Secretary's assurance, the forum has decided to suspend the blockade with effect from this midnight.
If the same assurance is not translated into action without undue delay, the forum would resume the agitation in more intense manner, Adipou said.