Locals protest incomplete construction of Senapati-Phaibung road
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, August 29 2021: Demonstrating against the long-neglected construction work of Senapati-Phaibung road, villagers of the area organised a mass rally in their respective locality expressing their resentment for failure to complete the road construction even after 18 years.

Banners with the slogans, 'please don't leave Senapati-Phaibung road as orphan', 'please visit Senapati-Phaibung road, 18 years but not completed', 'please revive Senapati-Phaibung road', 'Do not neglect Senapati-Phaibung road', etc were displayed during the rally.

The mass rally was held in a number of villages including Tingsong Khullen, Tingsong Khunou, Ngamju, Khongdei Khuman, Khongdei Shimphung and Khongdei Ngawar.

Speaking to media persons, the villagers expressed their reservations against the State Government for not paying heed to the suffering of the remote villages under Senapati district.

Locals protest incomplete construction of Senapati-Phaibung road

The villagers raised questions as to why the road was neglected for so long and stated that 18 years is quite enough to complete the road.

They also urged the State Government to complete the long cherished dream-road which will benefit more than 20 villages and thousands of people.

It may be mentioned that Ex-ADC 19-Lakhamai DCC Benjamin Tao has also written a letter to Chief Minister N Biren in June 2021 and to Minister PWD, Panchayati Raj, I & PR, Thongam Biswajit Singh in July 2021 to intervene in the matter.

The letter stated that Senapati-Phaibung road (128.9km) to CL 9 specification was entrusted to BRO/25 BREF by DONER Ministry and the project was implemented under the NLCPR scheme with funding shares of 90% by the Central Government and 10% by the State Government.

Construction started in 2002 and even after 18 years the work could not be completed due to non release of funds by the State Government (its share) .

It stated that Senapati-Phaibung road has been running for the past 18 years without any repairs other than minor repairs done by few ADC members in collaboration with the villagers till date.

Tao also stated that Senapati-Phaibung road which begins from NH-2 at TNK Senapati village is the only road that connects southern Lepaona villages and Chilivai villages adjoining 18 villages.

It is one of the most neglected zones of eastern Senapati district, the border of Senapati-Ukhrul districts along the Iril River.

He also urged the authority concerned to intervene and speed up the construction work without further delay.