Row erupts over bridge project site
Source: Chronicle News Service
Thoubal, February 11 2023:
A row erupted on Saturday over construction of a bailey bridge at Keibung opposite Keibung Wangma L P Madrassa under Lilong assembly constituency which has been taken up under '2022-23 under (SH): 5054-plan work' by PWD, after people of the neighbouring Leishangthem Kelimakhong blocked the road leading to Thoubal Leishangthem to demand shifting of the bridge construction site from the present location on the ground that it will be convenient for all.
A team of Thoubal district police led by additional SP SP Sankardev arrived at the spot around noon and controlled the protesters, after which a sit-in protest was staged at Kelimakhong community hall.
One of the protestors namely Sapam Tombi contended that site of the proposed bailey bridge over Thoubal river is not suitable and should be constructed around 300 metres farther from the present location as it would ensure that people of the neighbouring Kelimakhong can also use it.
The villagers have submitted a complaint in this regard to the authority concerned.
Hence, the construction work on the proposed bridge should remain suspended until an agreement is arrived at over site for construction of the bridge, she maintained and cautioned that they will continue to protest until their demand is met.
Meanwhile, Unique Youth Development Association, Keibung Wangmataba secretary Wahidur Rahaman told media persons that preparations were made for construction of the bridge since March 2022 under the work programme of Lilong MLA Abdul Nasir.
The bridge was initially planned at Khekman but due to some dispute shifted to Keibung after an agreement was reached with the help of local MLA and the minister concerned, he added.
Pointing out that Leishangthem Kelimakhong comes under Thoubal assembly constituency, Wahidur stated that work programme under Lilong AC should be taken up under the same AC.
He further said that another bridge for Thoubal AC should be constructed after consulting with the MLA concerned, while adding that the neighbourly love between the villages should be upheld at any cost.
Wahidur lamented that people of Kelimakhong are demanding that the bridge be constructed at Leishangthem Kelimakhong under Thoubal AC when the work programme is of another AC .