Students and residents of Irengband stage protest over poor road condition
Source: The Sangai Express

Kakching, August 06 2025: Aggrieved by the Government's prolonged inaction to repair the deteriorating road stretch of Kakching-Irengband-Tekcham road, the residents of Irengband and surrounding areas, along with a large number of students, staged a protest-rally today demanding the immediate repair of the critical road stretch connecting Kakching to Tekcham.

The road, which has remained in a deplorable state for nearly a decade, has caused immense hardships to daily commuters.

Speaking at the rally, L Jateshwor, advisor of All Irengband Foolball Association said the road stretch is a lifeline for many villagers.

He pointed out that tenders had been floated as early as 2009 for road improvements, but the works were never executed, leaving the road neglected and now in a dilapidated condition.

Jateshwor highlighted that for villagers of Irengband, the road is the only viable route to reach Kakching Keithel.

The daily struggle faced by schoolgoing children and local farmers, who use the route to transport produce and commute to institutions, underline the urgency for immediate repairs.

The protesters condemned the continued negligence of the concerned authorities and the local MLA, stating that repeated excuses for the delay in repairing the road were unacceptable and reflected poorly on the administration's commitment to rural development.

Jateshwar noted that the road stretch has been tendered twice under the PMGSY programme for 2023-24 .

However, the Manipur State Rural Development Agency has yet to issue a confirmation order for the start of construction.

This lack of clarity has led to mounting frustration among the public, stated Jateshwar.

He further pointed out that PMGSY schemes are fully funded by the Central Government, with the State acting as the implementing agency.

However, it is learned that several works under the 2023-24 PMGSY programme have already been sanctioned and approved on March 7, 2024, but the dispute between the MSRRDA and All Manipur Contractor Association has made this particular project remain stuck without progress, stated Jateshwor.

He therefore urged the Government of Manipur to intervene and take immediate steps to begin the repair work in the interest of the people.

He said that the villagers have also submitted an ultimatum to the Deputy Commissioner of Kakching, demanding for the construction of the road by Aug 13 .

Failing this, they have resolved to take up road repair work themselves with public support, and urged authorities not to obstruct in the voluntary efforts to restore the road.

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