TYCM for original road project plan
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 02 2025: Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM) has submitted a representation to the chief secretary, demanding immediate cancellation of a corrigendum issued by the Public Works Department (PWD) that shifted jurisdiction of a road improvement project from Kangpokpi to Imphal West.

In a statement issued Thursday, TYCM said that the PWD's corrigendum dated March 10, 2025, altered the jurisdiction of the road work from Sangaithel Lamkhai to Kotleri - originally under Kangpokpi division - to Imphal West division.

The change was made under the March 10 corrigendum, amending the original work programme dated February 12, 2025 .

According to TYCM, Sangaithel Lamkhai marks the boundary between Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts and serves as the zero point of the project.

However, the actual work site, Kotlen, lies about 8 kilometres beyond this point, well within Kangpokpi district.

TYCM questioned on what basis Imphal West division could issue a work order or supervise a project located outside its jurisdiction.

The council alleged that such moves reflect a deliberate attempt by PWD authorities to marginalise the tribal communities by placing developmental works in the hill areas under the control of valley-based divisions.

"This approach is unacceptable," it said, warning that tribal people will strongly resist any measure undermining their interests.

Maintaining that further delay in initiating the tender process for the project would hamper developmental progress in the hill districts and contradict the government's commitment to balanced regional development, the council urged the government to cancel the corrigendum arid proceed with the project under the original jurisdiction to ensure fairness and proper administrative procedure.

Comment