NH-202 lifeline under siege: Villagers issue 72-hour blockade ultimatum over stalled expansion and unpaid compensation in Ukhrul

Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, February 5:
The National Highway-202 Development Committee, representing residents of Hungpung, Shangshak Phunghon, Shangshak Khullen and Hatha villages, has issued a stern ultimatum to the Government, warning of a 72-hour total blockade on NH-202 from midnight of February 4 if long-pending grievances over highway expansion and land compensation remain unresolved.
Addressing a press conference at the Ukhrul Press Club, Wino Tang, on Monday, the Committee’s Secretary Eno. Edmunt Somaya announced that the crucial stretch from Finch Corner to Choithar Junction would be completely shut down as part of a series of agitation measures. The protest, he said, is aimed at drawing urgent attention to the prolonged delay in the completion of NH-202 widening works and the continued failure to release compensation to affected landowners.
Eno.Yangmi Khapai, convenor of NH-202 development Committre revealed that a formal representation was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul on January 28, seeking immediate intervention. However, despite repeated appeals over the years, no tangible progress has been made. The NH-202 widening project, initiated in 2018, has left the Finch Corner–Choithar Junction stretch virtually abandoned, turning the highway into a symbol of administrative neglect.
The Committee revealed that land acquisition processes have been completed and awards declared under Sections 3D and 3G of the National Highways Act, yet compensation has not been released to affected landowners. Under law, once land vests in the Central Government, compensation must be paid within a reasonable time, along with statutory interest. “The continued non-payment amounts to illegal deprivation of property and denial of livelihood,” the convenor said.
Describing NH-202 as the lifeline of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, the Committee secretary underscored its critical role in emergency medical services, trade, education and overall socio-economic development. “We have voiced our grievances time and again, yet our land has been acquired without compensation being released. Our patience is running out,” the convenor asserted.
Edmunt further pointed out that works under Package-3 and Package-4 have remained stalled for nearly two years, causing immense hardship to commuters and residents. The highway, riddled with potholes and frequently affected by landslides, poses serious safety risks and disrupts daily life.
While construction under the Yangangpokpi–Finch Corner package is ongoing, the Finch Corner–Hungpung stretch under Phase-3 has witnessed no meaningful progress, which the Committee termed a blatant violation of highway construction norms.
The Committee warned that if authorities fail to act within the stipulated deadline expiring on February 3, they will proceed with the blockade and also lock the NHIDCL office in Ukhrul.
Highlighting the unresolved compensation issue, the Committee stated that despite completion of land acquisition and declaration of awards under the National Highways Act, 1956, payments have not been released, leaving landowners in prolonged uncertainty and economic distress. The Committee demanded immediate release of compensation along with due interest and warned that the agitation would intensify if the Government continues to ignore the people’s legitimate demands.
The Committee concluded that the crisis on NH-202 is no longer a question of development but a test of constitutional governance, legal accountability and the State’s commitment to justice. Unless immediate corrective measures are taken, the people of Ukhrul, it warned, will intensify their agitation to defend their lawful rights.