JD(U) State unit lambasts BRO
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 28 2014 :
Categorically stating that BRO can never complete construction and repairing work of the Imphal-Jiribam highway, Janata Dal (United) has sought immediate attention of both the State Government and the Government of India.
Speaking to media persons at their Babupara office today, JD(U) State unit president M Tombi observed that the Imphal-Jiribam highway has seen little improvement even though BRO has been developing/repairing the highway for the past 40 years.
The way BRO has been working on the crucial highway is far from satisfactory.
The existing condition of Barak bridge, Makru bridge and Irang bridge is pathetic.
Most of the wooden planks of Barak bridge have worn out on account of BRO's failure for a prolonged period.
The bridge now poses serious threats to transporters travelling along the highway.
Dismissing BRO's claim that more than 200 labourers have been working on Nungba-Barak section of the highway, Tombi said he saw just 12 labourers working on the same section when he travelled along the highway a few days back.
The labourers were seen working in the most flaccid manner.
As such, one would be only befooling himself, if he is hoping of BRO completing the highway development work any time soon.
Saying that he was gratified on learning that development work of Imphal-Jiribam highway has been included in the list of work programmes drawn up by the NDA Government for execution within 100 days, Tombi urged the Government of India to replace the hanging bridges of Irang, Barak and Makru with RCC bridges and also to deploy highway protection force on both the National Highways connecting Manipur with other parts of India.
Tombi further appealed to all concerned to stop extortion and collection of illegal taxes on National Highways running through the State .
He also decried the indifference allegedly shown by security personnel when transporters and drivers are harassed or beaten right in front of their eyes.