YFPHR petitions MHRC over neglected road
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 19 2024: Youth Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) has lodged a formal complaint with the Manipur State Human Rights Commission (MHRC), seeking urgent intervention over the long-neglected road in Malom Hawairou Maning Leikai, Imphal West district.

The Commission has accepted the complaint containing details on dire condition of the roads and inaction of state authorities despite repeated requests from local communities.

The complaint highlighted a joint press meet organised on August 12 last year by Malom Hawairou Meira Paibi and Youth Welfare Club of Malom Hawairou wherein local representatives expressed frustration over the deteriorating condition of roads in their area.

The locals attributed the damage primarily to heavy vehicles of NF Railways, which have been using the road for construction of a railway line.

Despite the road's importance, especially for students studying in different educational institutions located in the area, no repair work has been undertaken.

According to YFPHR, the poor condition of the roads has led to serious hardships, particularly in emergency situations.

The roads, which connect key constituencies such as Konthoujam and Naoriya Pakhanglakpa, have become a challenge in transporting students, elderly individuals, and pregnant women, especially during health emergencies.

The local community had previously taken the matter into their own hands by seizing vehicles working for NF Railways to protest inaction by the authorities, but their efforts have not yielded any results.

In its complaint, YFPHR cited a 2015 ruling by the Bombay High Court that roads without potholes are a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, forming part of the right to life.

The forum has urged the MHRC to direct authorities concerned to repair the road with proper quality standards at the earliest.

They also requested the commission to demand a report explaining the prolonged neglect of the roads and take any other necessary actions to address the situation.

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