Landslides snap NH-39 route
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 13 2011: Transportation line along the Imphal-Dimapur stretch of the National Highway 39 has remained cut off from the rest of the country following occurrence of as many as 22 landslides in Chumukedima area of Nagaland.

Many passenger buses bound for Imphal have also remained stranded on account of the landslides.

Information received from our reporter who is among those stranded in Chumukedima said that among the landslides that have occurred in as many as 22 different spots, four of them are in massive proportion and may take few days in clearing the debris and throwing open the road to traffic again.

It may be noted here that repairing work along the National Highway is being carried out following sinking of the road in Maram area of Manipur.

Stranded transporters: Despite a State Cabinet decision to provide full proof security for smooth flow of traffic along the National Highways 39 and 53 with effect from August 16/17, oil tankers and LPG bullets stranded at Khatkhati have objected to the idea of going back to Guwahati and then proceeding to Silchar for coming to Imphal through Jiribam.

In his regard, transporters have explained that if the Government is going to provide full-roof security along both National Highways 39 and 53, it is better not to take a detour route to Jiribam but wait for the security and return through NH-39 .

Meanwhile, following strong pressure from the side of the Government, IOC has sought explanation from the transporters for the refusal to take the Jiribam route.

When The Sangai Express contacted, sources in the State police headquarters have pointed out that no instruction have been received from the side of the Government for providing full proof security along National Highway 39 althoughthe State Cabinet has taken a decision in this regard earlier.

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