Condition of AH1 irks residents
CSOs likely to launch stir within a week if authorities fail to take action within a week
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Kangpokpi, October 25 2015 : The deplorable condition of Trans-Asia Highway No-1 or National Highway No-2 passing through fertile areas of Sadar Hills has irked the residents residing along the same highway.

Enraged with the never-ending condition, local residents including Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) within Sadar Hills are mulling the launch of an intense agitation if the authorities do not take satisfactory action within a week.

The Trans-Asia Highway No-1 (AH1) has been dotted with potholes making it resemble some century old village road, opined villagers residing along the highway.

The condition has also caused innumerable difficulties to thousands of transporters and passengers from various other States coming to Manipur.

The villagers alleged that the State Government has not been able to do much on improving the condition of AH1 as responsible departments continue to show their indifference over the years.

Condition of AH1 irks residents

Some local residents along the highway said that the 40 km road stretch between Taphou Kuki and Gamgiphai in Sadar Hills could give "psychosomatic disorder" to any passenger crossing the area.

Numerous potholes can be seen along the Zero km stretch between Kangpokpi and Yaikongpao via Daili and similar conditions dot areas between Kalapahar and Bongmoul village via Keithelmanbi (Champhai) .

Any passenger can experience the stretch between Leikop and Koubru Leikha via Bimparao where oversized potholes can create obstacles even for heavy vehicles.

While Sapormeina to Hengjang village segment bears horrific deep holes in close environs, N Songlung, Mongpijang and Motbung are the worse rundowns.

Similar experience awaits anyone between Taphou Kuki and Kangpokpi section.

As the problem continues every season, patchwork efforts along few segments in Kangpokpi area might not last till the end of winter.

However, a reliable source informed that pothole mending activities have been carried out in the Sekmai areas.

One driver said "I have to visit workshops at least twice a week for repairing my vehicle and spend at around Rs 2000/3000 in minimum due to the bad condition of the highway.

This affects my meager earning" .

Another resident of Motbung village lamented the negligence of the authorities and responsible departments over the deplorable road condition as the highway also sees frequent road accidents.

From school going children to people from all walks of life are affected by the deplorable road conditions.

It has been observed that over 100 loaded vehicles and oil tankers pass the highway apart from inter-state and state passengers and private vehicles.

However, no authorities seem to have noticed the woes of the AH1.A visibly irked resident of Kangpokpi remarked that collusion between corrupt officials and contractors as well as the apathetic attitude of the state Government were the main causes for worry.