Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Mar 9:
The Hunphun/Ukhrul National Highway (NH) committee, under the jurisdiction of the Hunphun Village Authority (VA), has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Ukhrul bypass road. It reiterates its stance that NH-102(A) Ukhrul-Toloi-Tadubi road should adhere to the approved plan, which has garnered unanimous support from all Tangkhul Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Qr. HA. Khayaiwo (Hunphunwo), the Headman of Hunphun/Ukhrul, stated during a press conference held at the Hunphun VA’s office in Awungtang on Friday, that the village assembly (Hunphun kharik-va) has unanimously adopted a resolution advocating for the two-lane highway to traverse through the heart of Ukhrul town (from via Dungrei to Kharasom Junction). Any deviation from this route is deemed unacceptable, he emphasized.
Khayaiwo further informed that the Hunphun village assembly has formed a Highway Committee to oversee the issue and expedite construction work, aiming to serve the interests of Ukhrul town residents and the Tangkhul community at large.
Eno. Khayui Raleng, convener of the Highway Committee, echoed the sentiments of the Ukhrul Chief, elaborating on the issue and the procedural delays encountered. He alleged that complaints lodged by some affected landowners to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2017 had impeded timely execution of the work.
According to Raleng, the matter has now been resolved, with overwhelming support pouring in from across the Wung region. The Ukhrul NH committee has submitted representations to Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and urged for NH-102A to traverse through the heart of the town. Additionally, Ukhrul MLA Qr. Ram Muivah has written to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, highlighting the sentiments of the citizens.
However, despite reminders, no positive response has been received from the Ministry thus far, which is contrary to the interests of Ukhrul town and its residents.
Ukhrul welcomes the proposed two-lane Ukhrul-Toloi-Tadubi package-1 bypass, with the condition that the Highway route remains unchanged. Khayui affirmed the town’s resolve to “fight tooth and nail until our demands are fulfilled.”
Khayui emphasized that any individuals acting against the interests of Ukhrul/Hunphun village have no legal authority to represent the village. He stated that based on the VA Act, Hunphun VA is the supreme authority regarding land and village affairs.
The Village Authority has also submitted objections to the land survey for the expansion of NH-102A within the jurisdiction of Ukhrul/Hunphun village to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Ukhrul in connection with the proposed bypass.
The concerned authorities are urged to review their decisions promptly and ensure that NH-102A follows the original alignment for highway expansion, touching all localities of Ukhrul town.
Expanding the highway to two lanes will significantly ease traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and reduce unnecessary traffic chaos, asserted the convenor.
The press conference was attended by members of Village Authorities, Highway Committee, Hunphun Execution Council (HEC), Hunphun Katamnao Long (HKL/Ukhrul Students Union), Hunphun Shanao Long (HSL/Women’s League), All Hunphun Tang Chairman Association (AHTCA), and local leaders.
