Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 31 2009:Rather than being impressed by the Works Minister's field visit and assurance to begin repairing work on NH 39 within a week, the Senapati District Students' Associa-tion (SDSA) has threatened to intensify its agitation if the Government fails to make effective improvement of NH-39, not just making it passable.
A press release issued by the student body questioned the Works Minister as to why the MoU signed to clear off the old sanctions before December 2008 and subsequent arrangement to hand over NH-39 to BRO has not materialised till date.
The State Government's failure to put the MoU in action was responsible for jeopardising the repairing/improvement work of NH-39, it alleged.
Referring to Works Minister K Ranjit's assertion about the BRO making little progress on NH-39, the SDSA contended that repairing work undertaken by BRO along some portions of NH-39 passing through more difficult terrain has been completed already while the portion under PWD is yet to take off.
Decrying the State Government's decision to re-assume responsibility of NH-39, the SDSA demanded revocation of the Cabinet decision adopted in this regard and to hand over NH-39 to the BRO.
The student body, reacting to the Ranjit's statement that there was no fund at present to repair NH-39, questioned the State Government's incapacity to look after the State's only lifeline.
Acknowledging the hardships of the public, drivers, owners, commuters and others, the SDSA appealed to the public for continued support to the ongoing move- ment.
Meanwhile, vehicles stranded at Mao Gate due to the ongoing economic blockade have started leaving Mao Gate for Imphal together with security escorts at 6 in the evening today.