Imphal, June 29: With improvement in law and order situation in the recent past, steps have been taken on war footing to develop the condition of roads and bridges in Jiribam Sub-Division of Imphal East District.

But the people of the sub-division are yet to see the end of their difficulties with regard to road communication with the capital city.

Talking to The Sangai Express, SDC of Jiribam Sub-Division informed that construction of roads and bridges, which have been lying in deplorable conditions for many years, have been taken up earnestly with the improvement in the law and order condition this year.

Although a large sum of money have been set aside for development of Imphal-Jiri road and the task entrusted to BRTF, presence of various underground organisations and their undue interference have caused problems.

But with the flushing out of underground elements, development of roads and bridges have been taken up on a war footing, he said.

The army and CRPF have been carrying out operation to flush out militants since the beginning of the year and so far underground elements have been cleared from Jiribam to Kaiphundai and preparations are for launching similar operation till Barak, said sources.

As informed by Jiribam SDC, DIG of 27 CRPF has inspected the ongoing road construction work from Jiribam to Maku, and arrangements are being made to extend all possible assistance for speedy progress of the work.

But the onset of monsoon is likely to stand in the way of accomplished task soon, said another source.

The president of All Jiribam Meira Paibi Lup complained against the lack of concern on the part of the Government for development of Jiribam although it is part of Imphal East District.

Such attitude of the Government gives the impression that Jiribam is part of Manipur.

While noting that the youths from Jiribam are not being able come to Imphal for pursuing their studies because of deplorable condition of the existing road communication, the president also appealed to all concerned not to given any sort of disturbance in the ongoing road improvement work.

Although the road construction work has been started, the people of the sub-division as well as those Government officials posted at Jiribam are reportedly still encountering numerous problems related to transport and communication between the capital city and the sub-division.

Jiribam SDC and SDPO informed that as the Telephone Exchange at Jiribam does not function properly, communication is still a big problem for the people as well as for the Government officials in the sub-division.

In case of emergency one has no option but to go to Pulortan, Silchar.

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