'Ordeal of Karang villagers unending, problems remain unattended'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 28 2022: The ordeal of residents of Karang, an island village located in Loktak Lake, one of the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India is unending and their problems remain unattended till date.

President of Karang Island Motor Boat and Boat Association (KIMBBA), H Geetajen on behalf of the owners of homestays opened in and around Karang village and Karang Island Development Organisation narrated the ordeal of the residents of Karang village while addressing the media persons during a press meet held today in connection with the upcoming 47th foundation day of KIMBBA.

He expressed dismay that KIMBBA has completed 47 years and has been serving the people for decades however the plights of residents of Karang village, located around 47 kilometres from Imphal which has no other connectivity apart from waterways from Thanga village is unceasing.

He stated that the only mode of commute of Karang village which has a population of around 3,000 is to go by boats to Thanga village and to Mayang Imphal side.

Owing to its single mode of commute, the villagers face a lot of inconveniences in terms of education, health care facilities and other basic amenities, he added.

He went on to state that there have been many cases where pregnant women delivered babies in boats and there were many fatalities as well.

Regarding the construction work of the 7 kilometre long road from Mayang Imphal till Karang Yangbi which started in 2017 and has been on hold, he urged the authorities concerned to look into the matter and take up immediate measures for the completion of the construction work to alleviate the problems of the villagers.

He also lauded the efforts of villagers and youths who are operating motor boats and boats and serving the people for sightseeing purposes and touristic experiences under the aegis of KIMBBA.

Many well qualified youths have also started opening homestays in and around Karang village which is commendable, he added.

He also mentioned plans are underway to celebrate the Golden Jubilee year of KIMBBA in a grand manner.

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