Rally demands black-topping of Imphal-Saikul road
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, January 28 2013: A massive rally was carried out today at Saikul under Sadar Hills in Senapati district demanding black topping of Imphal to Saikul road.

The rally was organised by Kuki Inpi of Saikul Area, Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) of Saikul Area and Women Union Saikul.

While addressing the rallyists, President of Kuki Inpi, Saikul Area Thangkam Lupheng pointed out that Saikul block was established in 1969 but the government is yet to pay attention to development of the area.

He said for the last 43 years, the state government has been neglecting the area as can be witnessed.

Thangkam Lupheng regretted that the distance from Saikul to Imphal is just 30 kilometres but the state government has failed to even put its effort in this short distance for the last 43 years.

Thangkam then pointed out that the Imphal-Saikul road is covered by four Assembly constituencies namely Saikul, Ukhrul, Karong and Khundrakpam but even at this advantageous position, the road has not been developed.

The common slogan of the Chief Minister may be 'hill-valley is one' but the roads in Saikul area could never to be compared to the valley roads.

President of Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Saikul Area Thangjalun Mate observed that the road from Saikul to Imphal is too dusty to be used during the dry season and too muddy during raining season.

"The Government knows our plight but chooses to remain mute over it," the KSO president rued.

Today's rally was taken out from Thangtong Government Higher Secondary School to SDO office.

After the rally, the protestors submitted a memorandum in this regard to the Chief Minister of Manipur through the SDO, Saikul block.

The memorandum pointed out that the Imphal-Saikul road (from Liklikhong to Molkon Bridge) is one of the most important routes in Manipur.

The route is being used by the people of four assembly constituencies and expressed gladness to see that the road widening works are being taken up by the Government for the last two to three years.

"Howerver, we are not happy to know that there is no plan on the part of Government for black-topping of the road during this current year.

We would also like to say that the people travelling along Imphal- Saikul road are yet to see a black-topped and dust-mud free road in their lives.

Due to the deplorable condition of the road, the people have suffered too much," the organisers of the rally stated.

It is said that Kuki Inpi, KSO, Women Union and Town Committee of Saikul would also request the Chief Minister to take note of the grievances of the people and take up appropriate actions for black- topping of Imphal- Saikul road during the current year of 2013 by allocating adequate fund in the best interest of the suffering people.

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