Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, March 01:
The Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur (ZSUM) will start picketing Government offices from March 7 onwards if the road work between Tamenglong and Khongsang is not given to BRTF and start executing the work by March 6.This will be the first phase of the agitation, according to ZSUM.
The NEC has sanctioned Rs 1219 lakhs for the work sometimes back, according to the ZSUM, and added that till date nothing had been done.
The ZSUM said that no other work agencies be given the contract but only to the BRTF saying that BRTF is the only agency that work satisfactorily.
ZSUM chairman James Dangmei and its information and publicity secretary Majabung stated that the BRTF was ready to start the work immediately once the work is given to the agency by releasing money.
The students' body demanded that the money for the work be released immediately so that the work be executed without delay.
During the indefinite agitation no Government vehicles are allowed to ply between Khongsang and Tamenglong.
All examination related offices, health departments, water supply, electricity, fire brigade services will be exempted from the agitation.
Meanwhile, the GRPN/NSCN-IM of the Zeliangrong Region has cautioned the contractors who are undertaking road construction works from National Highway-53 to Sibilong, a distance of 11 kilometres to finish the work at the earliest.
Rs.95 lakhs had been sanction for the work, according to the NSCN-IM.
GPRN/NSCN-IM's Tamenglong District work in-charge L.Golmei warned that two sub-contractors Gobodon Singh and Khanglai of Khunphung village have been undertaking contract works in the name of one special contractor Jogeshwor under the PMGSY scheme but almost nothing had been done with regard to the work even though two-third amount of money had been withdrawn.
L.Golmei further alleged that from NH-53 to Luangkao, a 7 km distance, to be constructed newly, also had not been done almost for which Rs.85 lakhs had been sanctioned for the work.
Work order for the undertakings had been issued in the year 2004, said the statement.
L.Golmei then stated from Zero point to New Kaiphundai, a distance of 7 km of black topping for which Rs.95 lakhs had been sanctioned under the PWD, but this work too, almost nothing had been done though two-third amount of the money sanctioned had been withdrawn.
L.Golmei warned that no cheques would be allowed to issue to the contractors unless the works are completed.
NSCN-IM, Zeliangrong Region CAO Karuchang informed that no one should disturb in the education departments under its jurisdiction.
He said that some elements had been putting their hands in the ZEO office by trying to extract teaching and learning materials for selfish gain which have been sanctioned under the SSA schemes for the rural/poor schools.