Machines for NH 102 B project work destroyed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 02 2023: Machines and vehicles worth around Rs 95 crore belonging to GPT Infrastructures Limited stationed in two camps for construction of 142 km long section of NH 102 B from Churachandpur police station to Tuivai were found torched and their parts looted on May 5, two days the ethnic conflict on May 3 .

According to sources, National Highways & Infrastructure Development CorporationLimited (NHID-CL) under the aegis of Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways had been undertaking the task of construction of NH 102 B .

GPT Infrastructures Limited had been contracted for the project in two packages with the section of the Highway from Churachandpur police station to Tuivai near Mizoram border nearing completion.

The company was keeping the machineries for the project at two camps at Mualkot near Singhat, Churachandpur district and at an area between Khuanggin and Sinzawl village.

On May 5, unknown persons suspected to be Kukis set on the fire the machines along with threatening the labourers forcing the latter to flee and hide in the forest.

After burning down the machines, some suspected Kukis later came at the camps and pilfered the parts of the vehicles and machineries that were left using gas cutters and metal cutters and hauled them away in trucks.

Photographs of looting parts of the vehicles and hauling them through trucks were provided to the TPC as proof by sources.

The machines and vehicles destroyed and their parts stolen included excavators, transit mixer, earth moving equipment such as hydra trucks, tandem roller, vibratory roller, soil compactor, sensor paver, sand screener, bar cutting & bar bending machine, laboratory equipment, compressor testing machine, recovery van, multi-axle truck along with hot mix plant, wet mix macadam plant, concrete plant, concrete pump and stone crusher.

The camp between Khuanggin and Sinzawl village was the worst hit and it is estimated that the damaged machines and vehicles are worth around Rs 95 crore.

Destruction of machines and threatening of labourers hindered completion the said NH which will connect Churachandpur to Aizawl.

The alleged Kuki rioters taking advantage of the prevailing situation in the state have totally vandalised the two camps of the GPT Infrastructures Limited and looted everything from the camp including roofing sheets.

Meanwhile, department concerned of the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has submitted a detail report in regard to the destruction and plundering of properties of GPT Infrastructures Limited.

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