The proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) Military Council Unification publicity officer Chingkheinganba stated that Mayai Lambi Road, part of National Highway 137 A, has long been treated as a “gold mine” by contractors, leading to serious compromise in construction quality and public safety.
In a statement issued to the media, the outfit alleged that repeated strikes and objections raised over the years by localities, clubs, villages and the general public regarding the condition of the road have been consistently ignored. It claimed that due to poor workmanship and lack of proper monitoring, accidents have become frequent, resulting in injuries and loss of lives, while the suffering of commuters continues unabated.
The statement further alleged that contractors engaged in the construction and maintenance of Mayai Lambi Road have been securing tenders by quoting abnormally low rates, even going to extreme negative margins. According to the outfit, such practices make it impossible to maintain proper quality standards, yet these bids are repeatedly accepted. It questioned how contractors could deliver quality work when projects are awarded at such low rates, and alleged that public funds are being misused in the process.
Citing the tendering system, the KCP (PWG) Military Council Unification claimed that contractors often quote significantly below the estimated cost, yet are still awarded projects, resulting in substandard construction. It alleged that complaints regarding poor quality, including issues related to road surface materials, are often ignored once payments are released. As a result, the statement claimed, commuters are forced to travel daily on unsafe and damaged stretches of a national highway that is meant to meet higher standards.
The outfit also referred to the ongoing strengthening work on the Imphal Kakching section of National Highway 137 A, stating that the project was floated despite repeated objections to the practice of awarding tenders at negative rates. It claimed that such practices defeat the purpose of building a durable highway meant to ensure safe and smooth movement of people.
The statement further alleged that even though rules require tender evaluation committees to follow strict norms, contractors quoting the lowest bids are repeatedly selected, regardless of the feasibility of maintaining quality. It also warned that accountability does not end with contractors alone, and that agencies responsible for supervision and evaluation must also be held responsible for lapses.
The KCP (PWG) Military Council Unification asserted that the people living along the highway are well aware of the quality of work being carried out and would not accept substandard construction. It warned that any attempt to continue such practices, including bribery, manipulation of measurements or misuse of funds, would be treated as an act against the people of Manipur.
The statement warns that if those involved in what it termed corrupt practices continue to ignore public interest, the organisation would take action against individuals found responsible, in line with what it described as directives issued by its central leadership.