Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Sept 6:
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex body representing the Tangkhul community, has issued a final ultimatum, setting May 2025 as the ultimate deadline for the completion of the long-delayed Imphal-Ukhrul National Highway 202. The stretch from Yangangpokpi to Finch Corner ( 30.6kms) has become a source of frustration for locals, with travelers enduring treacherous journeys due to the slow progress of the project, which began in 2020.
Originally scheduled for completion by July 2022, the highway project faced numerous setbacks, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdowns and restrictions disrupted the construction timeline, leading to a one-year grace period extension. However, even with this extension, the progress remained abysmally slow, exacerbating the suffering of those who rely on this crucial road for their daily commute.
The recent rains have only made matters worse, causing landslides and mudslides that further obstruct travel along the highway. With National Highway 202 serving as the lifeline for Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, the deteriorating road conditions have imposed severe hardships on the people, who are now vocalizing their grievances daily. Yet, despite their pleas, little has been done to address these concerns.
Tangkhul Naga Long, alongside various civil society organizations (CSOs) and frontal organizations, conducted a joint inspection of the road on Thursday.
The inspection highlighted the grave situation faced by the local population. Frustration is mounting, as even after four years, the work agency responsible, Varha Ltd., under the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), has only managed to complete less than 50 percent of the project. The prolonged delay has shattered the people’s trust, leading to widespread complaints from various quarters.
During a press conference at Wunghon Community Hall in Yangangpokpi, TNL President Qr. Sword Vashum expressed the collective exasperation of the Tangkhul community. Addressing media representatives from Ukhrul and Imphal, Vashum stated unequivocally that TNL will no longer remain silent in the face of negligence and empty promises. While acknowledging the technical challenges faced by the work agency, he emphasized that these issues cannot justify the inordinate delay in completing the project. Vashum firmly set May 2025 as the final grace period, urging the agency to expedite the work to avoid further consequences.
The inspection team was joined by Ukhrul MLA Qr. Ram Muivah, who met the delegation at Litan and accompanied them during their inspection. Muivah has shown keen interest in addressing the grievances of his constituents, actively working to mitigate the challenges posed by the unfinished highway since taking office. His presence during the inspection underscored his commitment to ensuring that the people’s voices are heard and that the road project progresses without further delay.
During the press conference, representatives from NHIDCL and Varha Ltd. assured the media that the highway would be completed by the May 2025 deadline. Ajay Kumar, General Manager of NHIDCL, echoed this commitment, seeking to restore some degree of faith in the project’s timely completion.
Despite these assurances, the people of Ukhrul remain wary. Ql. Thingreiphy Lungharwo, President of Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) a prominent figure in the community, expressed the collective frustration of Ukhrul’s residents during the press interaction. She lamented that the negligence of Varha Ltd. and NHIDCL has placed an undue burden on the people, making them feel ashamed of the deplorable road conditions. Lungharwo emphasized that this is not just a case of poor infrastructure; it is a matter of life and death for the residents, who are also deprived of basic necessities such as electricity, water, and other essential services.
Lungharwo further urged NHIDCL to complete the project by December 2024, ahead of the new deadline, for the greater good of Ukhrul’s residents. She highlighted the sense of injustice felt by the community, accusing the authorities of treating them as second-class citizens, a sentiment shared by many in the region.
The joint inspection team included representatives from TNL phungva, the Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), the Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL), the Tangkhul Naga Wungnao/ Awunga Long (TNAL), the caretaker chairman of the Autonomous District Council (ADC), the Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) of Ukhrul and Phungyar, and media representatives from both Ukhrul and Imphal.
The completion of the Imphal-Ukhrul NH-202 is not just a matter of convenience but a critical necessity for the people of Ukhrul and Kamjong. The road serves as a vital link connecting these districts with the rest of Manipur, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people. The prolonged delay in completing the project has caused severe disruptions to daily life, with residents bearing the brunt of the consequences.
The people of Ukhrul have been patient, but their patience has now worn thin. The Tangkhul Naga Long has made it clear that any further delays will not be tolerated. The deadline has been set, and the people are watching closely. The ball is now in the court of NHIDCL and Varha Ltd. to ensure that they deliver on their promises, or face the ire of a community that has had enough of empty words and broken promises. The countdown to May 2025 has begun.
