Bridge contractors condemn threat by MLA Leishiyo
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, April 12 2025: Contractors involved in the ongoing construction of a bridge over the Maklang River in Kamjong district have condemned the alleged actions of Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing, who reportedly fired shots from his revolver to intimidate them in front of their workers.

Addressing a press conference at Sam Food Court, Viewland in Ukhrul town on Saturday, contractors Shimreingam A Shimray, Peacemoon Zimik, and Shelter Vashum voiced strong condem nation of the MLA's threats to halt construction and vacate the site without justification, questioning the motives behind such the action.

Bridge contractors condemn threat by MLA Leishiyo

They stated that a complaint has been lodged at the Chassad Police Station regarding the incidept, while urging the relevant authorities to take necessary action against the accused, as well as to provide security for them and their workers, who are now in a state of panic following the event.

Shimreingam recounted that on April 9 at around 6:30 pm, the MLA, accompanied by his escort team, arrived at the construction site and fired around 8/9 blank shots from his revolver.

"Shortly afterwards, the MLA called me over while I was at a makeshift camp on-site and asked if I had heard the gunshots, seemingly as a threat," he said.

He continued, stating that the MLA then inquired about his identity.

Upon learning that Shimreingam was a close aide to former Deputy Speaker Preshaw Shimray, the MLA allegedly dismissed his importance, and also belittled both former Chief Minister Biren Singh and former Minister Govindas Konthoujam.

"The MLA then demanded that I stop work and vacate the site immediately, instructing me not to return," he said.

According to the contractors, they are executing the work in the name of special contractor G Pamei, who was awarded the project.

They revealed that the construction began in January this year, and they are targeting to complete it within the stipulated 24-month timeframe.

The contractors denounced the MLA's threats as unbecoming of a people's representative, asserting that "if someone in such a high position can behave this way, it raises questions about the expected conduct of others in society".

"It's deeply regrettable that the MLA is resorting to despicable acts of threatening those involved in development work instead of offering support," they lamented, warning that the MLA would be held accountable if anything untoward were to happen to them or their workers.

The steel truss bridge is being constructed over the Maklang River, located between Kangpat village on the northern (Kamjong) side and Kangkum village on the southern (Kasom Khullen) side.

Once completed, the bridge will be a vital connection for the remote villages on both sides, they said.

Meanwhile, the village authorities of Kangpat and Kangkum, in a joint statement, condemned the MLA's act of intimidating the contractors and their workers, describing it as unacceptable behaviour for a public leader.

They appealed to all parties to refrain from repeating such incidents and warned that strict actions would be taken against anyone jeopardising development in the region.