Isolated inhabitants of Ukhrul's Sambu area battle myriad hardships
Source: Hueiyen News Ukhrul / R Lester Makang
Imphal, August 21 2015 :
Ever since the massive July landslides totally cut off the whole Sambu Raiping in eastern Ukhrul district from the rest of the State, the isolated inhabitants of the area are facing untold hardships day in and day out as the government has remained a silent spectator till date, according to Sambu Raiping Katamnao Long (SRKL) .
Talking to Hueiyen Lanpao here in Ukhrul Town on Friday, SRKL President AS Nathan said that a series of heavy landslides triggered by recent incessant rain and consequent overflowing river water had destroyed all existing kaccha Inter Village Roads (IVR) and all river bridges connecting villages in July last.
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"All major IVRs like Shirui-Mapum, Gumnom-Khayang, Sahamphung-Chatric, Maku-Junction-Chahong Khullen and other routes have been damaged beyond repair," he said adding that heavy water current had even washed away two main bridges connecting Chamu-khayang and Kamjong-Chahong which were constructed only in the year 2013-14 under BADP.
As a result, the hapless inhabitants of the area have been rendered isolated from the rest of the district and the state for all practical purposes.
"Since we have been deprived of any road connectivity as such, we are facing immeasurable hardships in our day to day living, "Nathan said while stating that the hardest thing has been transporting of sick people and essential commodities as they are carried by the locals themselves which is unheard of in this advanced age.
He then said that within a span of one month there have been instances where three critically ill persons were carried by the local residents on carriages till the Ukhrul district hospital for treatment.
In the absence of any means of transport, the local residents have no option but to carry themselves any sick persons by walking through scores of kilometres to reach Ukhrul town.
Moreover, many residents are facing hardships while transporting their food stuff and other daily requirements from outside during this lean season, he said.
But despite this, the government has till date remained indifferent to all our miseries.
Taking serious note of this, SRKL on behalf of the Sambu area public appeal to the concerned authority to look into the hardships of the residents at the earliest, urged Nathan.
"We request the Government to quickly restore the road connectivity in the area considering the plight of the hapless villagers," he added.