Joint survey for double-laning NH-37 disrupted
Source: Chronicle News Service
Jiribam, August 05 2021:
A joint survey scheduled along NH 37 covering a distance of 100 metres from Leingangpokpi Police Outpost for upgrading the road to a double-lane on Thursday morning was disrupted by Tatbung villagers citing the ongoing boundary dispute between Tamenglong and Jiribam districts.
According to sources, Jiribam DC W Malemnganba Chenglei had issued an order on July 30 for commencement of the joint survey from Thursday onwards for expansion of NH-37(Imphal-Jiri) .
The expansion of the NH-37 stretch to a double-lane would have to pass though Rev enue village 39-Leingangpokpi, 1-Hilghat, 2-Kamaranga and 13-Babupara.Officials of Settlement office, SDO, Horticulture, Forest, PHED, Water Supply, Electric Department and NHIDCL arrived at the site from Thursday 10 am but were interrupted by villages of Tatbung of Tousem sub-division, Tamenglong district, claiming that 39-Leingangpokpi is part of Tamenglong.
A brief stand-off ensued between the officials and the villagers but the situation gradually calmed down after officials of Jiribam and Tamenglong DC talked about the boundary issue and the officials withdrew so that the survey could continue on a later date.
Amid the standoff over the joint survey, members of various CSOs of Jiribam district arrived at the scene and helped in defusing the tense situation along with security personnel.