Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Sept 3:
In a powerful response to the ongoing delay in the construction of Pettigrew College’s Academic Block, the Hunphun Katamnao Long (HKL/ Ukhrul students union)) and the All Hunphun Tang Association (AHTA) have taken firm action. After inspecting the site and finding the work far behind schedule, the two organizations jointly decided to halt all construction activities starting today. Their decision reflects growing frustration with the unsatisfactory progress of the lone government college in Ukhrul town, which has left students and faculty alike in a dire situation.
This decision comes in the wake of repeated warnings to the contractor in charge of the project. Despite assurances from the concerned Education Minister for timely completion, the situation on the ground remains stagnant. The construction of the academic block, which began in December 2021, was supposed to be completed within 18 months. However, over a year past the deadline, only around 50% of the work has been completed, leaving the students in a precarious situation.
During a joint inspection of the site, accompanied by media representatives, the shocking state of the college’s infrastructure became evident. Due to the lack of available classrooms, students from various streams are forced to attend classes in unsuitable conditions. Classes are being held in the college garage, deteriorating old buildings, and even in congested, half-finished rooms that lack basic safety standards. Some of the classrooms is located in the unfinished Model Library building, a stark reminder of the college’s ongoing struggle.
The Model Library, an important facility for the college, remains incomplete despite the construction project having started four years ago. Similarly, the boys’ and girls’ hostels are also far from completion, with less than 50% of the work finished.
The slow pace of construction is severely affecting the students’ academic performance and overall welfare, turning their educational journey into a frustrating ordeal.
Eno. Chonmi Raleng, President of AHTA, voiced his concerns regarding the situation. “The snail-paced progress in these vital building projects is destroying the academic period of the students and severely hampering their efforts,” he said. “If the authorities continue to neglect their responsibilities, we will not remain silent. We are prepared to take our own course of action, step by step.”
The two local organizations have resolved to no longer tolerate the authorities’ apparent indifference. They have taken a strong stand against what they describe as high-handed attitudes from the concerned parties and have made it clear that they will escalate their actions if necessary.
Eno. Wungsorin @Awung Ragui, President of the Hunphun Katamnao Long (HKL), echoed similar sentiments. “The welfare of the students is our top most priority,” he stated. “When we visited Pettigrew College today and saw the state of the classrooms, we felt both pity and anger. The conditions are deplorable—students are forced to take classes in garages and abandoned buildings that could collapse at any time. The unfinished skeleton of the Model Library building serves as their only shelter.”
Ragui made it clear that until the concerned authorities commit to completing the construction within a specified timeframe, HKL and AHTA will not allow any further work to continue. He expressed deep frustration with the situation and warned that more severe actions would follow if their demands for Immediate Action on Overdue Project is not met.
Eno. Chonmi Raleng provided further details regarding the work order. “The work order, sanctioned in December 2021, clearly stated that the construction should be completed by June 2023. Yet here we are, over 12 months past the deadline, with only around 50% of the work completed. During our inspection, we saw no building materials on site and only about 10 workers present. This is unacceptable, as the project should have employed around 100 workers by now.”
The lack of urgency displayed by the contractor has prompted AHTA, in coordination with HKL, to shut down all construction activities at the academic block. Raleng emphasized that if their appeal continues to be ignored, they will escalate their agitation with more drastic measures.
The inspection team included members of the Hunphun village authority, along with the chairman of Meizailung, Ukhrul. Their collective presence underscored the gravity of the situation and the widespread concern among the community regarding the ongoing delays.
It is pertinent to mentioned that the infrastructure development of Pettigrew College construction of 100-beded boys’ hostel and a 100-beded girls’ hostel, each at a cost of Rs. 7,14,39,729. Additionally, the infrastructure development for the college’s Academic Block and main gate is being undertaken at a cost of Rs. 14,98,15,250, with a completion timeline of 18 months.
Pettigrew College, one of the oldest educational institutions in the state, plays a vital role in the academic development of the region. However, the continuous delays in completing its key infrastructure projects are jeopardizing the future of its students. The lack of adequate classrooms, library facilities, and hostels has created an educational crisis that demands immediate attention from the authorities.
The actions of HKL and AHTA are a testament to the growing impatience of the community. They have vowed to stand firm in their demand for accountability and timely completion of the construction work. The ball is now in the court of the concerned authorities and the contractor, who must respond to the demands of the students and the community before the situation escalates further.
With the Academic Block project already delayed by over a year, the future of Pettigrew College remains uncertain. The HKL and AHTA have sent a clear message that they will not back down until the construction is completed and the students of Ukhrul are given the facilities they deserve. Their resolve has set the stage for a showdown that could determine the fate of education in the region.
As the community watches closely, the coming weeks will reveal whether the authorities will finally take action or face further disruptions and potential protests from the determined organizations. One thing is certain: the students of Pettigrew College, supported by their community, will no longer accept the neglect that has left their education in a state of crisis.
