Imphal, Aug 30: In sync with the popular sayings 'It's never too late', 'better late than never' etc a previously sleepy hub tugged away in a remote corner of Tamenglong district has been finally connected with other parts of the State.

deprived of road connectivity even after years of manipur gaining Statehood, joyous scenes heralded the arrival of a vehicle convoy in Mukti Khullen of Nungba sub-division along the newly constructed road on August 28.Mukti Khullen categorised as mid-level village in terms of geographical size and population is located about 12 kilometres south of Nungba bazar.

The newly constructed, yet to be metalled road which necessitated clearance of hill slopes for the 15 kms stretch to the village was completed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) at an estimated cost of Rs 2.16 crore.

The road has been dedicated to the public after a solemn but significant launching programme attended by the MPCC president Gaikhangam and rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Md Allaudin Khan two days back.

Many of the villagers expressed profound happiness as their livelihood seems set for a sea change compared to their previously monotonous and gruesome toil in reaching the nearest town (Nungba).

Before the road connectivity normal chores include ascending the steep hill-slopes to climbing down the deepest gorge on a daily basis irrespective of the harshness of seasonal weather.

The joy of the villagers was aptly summed up by an elderly person describing himself as more fortunate than his many peers who succumbed to old age never seeing a vehicle honk and drive into Mukti Khullen village.

Conceding that many villagers never ever dreamt of their village being able to enjoy road connectivity with the outside world, the elderly man said opportunity of seeing the vehicles roar into the village is like a new gift of life from the Government.

He was confident enough to express that haunted history of travel related inconveniences would be a closed chapter now.

Joining the villagers in their celebrations, gaikhangam said he is happy to visualise that the road could eliminate difficulties faced by the villagers to a certain extent.

The MPCC chief exalted on the fact that through the new road Mukti Khullen villagers could market their agricultural products with much ease which would ultimately result in augmenting income generation.

harping on the new found popularity, Gaikhangam contended that the Congress-led SPF Govt is striving for equal development in the hill and plain area of the State.

Opining that sincere initiatives of the State Govt should be encouraged, the Nungba AC legislator further announced that all out efforts are being made to extend surface communication facilities in remote areas in order to promote more frequent interactions between villagers.

Speaking during an interaction programme with the villagers, RD&PR Minister Allaudin Khan informed that construction of Mukti Khullen road was covered under Phase-II of PMGSY programme.

Under the same phase 117 similar works have been completed, the Minister claimed and added that for allotment of more road development work in Phase III & V a project report of Rs 15 crore had already been submitted to the Central Govt authorities.

Maintaining that there would be no laxity on the part of the Govt towards striving for development Allaudin Khan also fervently appealed to the contractors concerned for sincere and dedicated service owed to the people.

Comment