IT News
Imphal, April 9:
Frustration turned into action this week as residents from Imphal East staged a 48-hour shutdown to demand long-overdue repairs to the Yairipok–Nongpok Keithelmanbi road. The protest entered its second day on Wednesday, with demonstrators—many of them women—occupying the road and setting tyres ablaze in defiance.
The 12-kilometre stretch, which links several rural areas, has reportedly gone without maintenance for over 20 years. “We’ve sent appeals, we’ve waited patiently, but there has been no response,” said Premkumar Loukrakpam, co-convenor of the Yairipok to Nongpok Keithelmanbi Road Development Organisation.
Residents had earlier submitted a memorandum to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, urging roadworks within five days. The silence that followed led to the shutdown, affecting key areas such as Azad Golai, Changamdabi, and Top Chingtha.
While emergency services were not disrupted, schools and colleges remained closed. Protesters warned that unless the government acts swiftly, they may launch an indefinite strike.