Kumbi-Wangoo State highway bandh enters third day
Social activist A Sanjoy urges authorities to act
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal/Moirang, November 06 2025: The indefinite bandh called along the Kumbi-Wangoo State Highway by the Meira Paibis and local residents has entered its third consecutive day.

with normal life in the region coming to a complete standstill.

The bandh was called in protest against the Government's inaction in repairing the severely damaged stretch of the highway, which has caused immense hardship to commuters and villagers alike.

On the third day, bandh supporters turned out in large numbers, blocking several parts of the road by burning tyres and placing wooden logs and other objects along the route.

The bandh was also strictly enforced across several key locations under Kumbi Assembly Constituency, including Uchanmakhong, Kumbi Lai Sandhong, Kumbi Keithel, Kumbi Lamlong, Kumbi Thingel Leikai, Ithai Wapokpi, Wangoo Sabal, Wangoo Naodakhong, Sagang, and Wangoo Parking, among others.

Due to the bandh, major market areas such as Kumbi Keithl and Wangoo Keithel remained deserted, with business activities coming to a complete halt and passenger services also stayed suspended.

Meanwhile, social activist Sanjoy Ahantham has urged the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to repair the dilapidated condition of the Kumbi-Wangoo road, which has caused severe inconvenience to commuters and residents of the area.

Addressing mediapersons during a press conference, Sanjoy Ahantham said that despite ongoing protests by local residents - including an indefinite bandh along the road stretch and suspension of educational and market activities - the silence and inaction of the authorities, even as the agitation enters its third day, is highly condemnable.

Sanjoy pointed out that Kumbi Assembly Constituency is among the areas worst affected by the ethnic violence that broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023, and that many residents continue to live in distress and uncertainty.

He lamented that the deteriorating road condition has worsened their suffering, particularly for families who depend on daily commuting for their livelihood.

He further highlighted that the Kumbi-Wangoo road serves as a crucial route connecting several districts - Bishnupur, Churachandpur.

Thoubal, Kakching, and Chandel - and also links to the Indo-Myanmar National Highway.

However, the road has remained in disrepair for years, riddled with large craters and potholes.

During the rainy season, the route becomes muddy and impassable, while in the dry season, heavy dust clouds pose health risks and discomfort for residents and travellers alike.

According to Sanjoy, even local passenger service associations and residents have made small-scale efforts to fill the potholes by pooling money, but these temporary measures are not enough.

He alleged that government agencies have failed to take sustained action, despite repeated appeals.

He also noted that the poor road condition has seriously affected students, workers, and traders who rely on the route to reach schools, workplaces, and markets such as Kumbi Keithel.

Calling for urgent intervention, Sanjoy Ahantham appealed to the State Government and concerned authorities to prioritise the repair and blacktopping of the Kumbi-Wangoo road in the interest of public welfare and to alleviate the ongoing hardships faced by local residents.

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