Imphal, September 26: Although efforts have been taken up for providing adequate security along National Highway 53 from Imphal to Jiribam with opening of many security posts, there has been no improvement in the condition of the road and bridges along the stretch from Barak to Jiribam.

Highway Development Council (HDC) had organised a field visit to inspect the condition of the National Highway and the works being taken up for its development from September 21 to 25.In all 150 representatives of various organisations like IPSA, UPF, Manipur Truck Owners Welfare Association, Manipur Drivers' Welfare Association, HERICOUN, THANIL, National Highway 53 Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Lup, WACAK, MEEKHOL, Mapi Council, MAFYF, DESAM and AMSU, apart from mediapersons participated in the field visit.

The main underlining motive behind organising the trip was to oversee the development works being taken up along the Imphal-Jiribam and condition of the villages situated along the National Highway and spread the message of peace and amity among the people.

With the exception of some difficulties at Noney area, the trip was by and large a successful one.

Apart from setting up many security posts within a short distance of each others from Keithelmanbi area till Jiribam, the delegates found out that adequate security personnel have been pressed into duty at each treacherous turning of the road which might pose danger to the travellers.

Although CRPF and Assam Rifles personnel have been posted to guard the bridges located along the said route and ROP duty intensified, the drivers of the trucks and other goods carriers plying along the National Highway have some complaints against the manner of providing security escort. The drivers felt that plying vehicles with security escorts at either end of the caravan might cause communication problems in case of any untowards incident along the way.

They suggested that the number of escort parties should be increased so that some of them could move in between the goods-laden vehicles.

There has no significant change in the condition of the road from Barak to Jiribam causing problems to movement of the vehicles.

Since the condition of the road remain deplorable, the bridges situated along the route too has not been developed.

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