By: Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, Dec 19:
As the joyous season of Christmas approaches, Ukhrul town has turned into a bustling hub of activity. Shoppers from across Ukhrul and Kamjong districts are pouring into the town to prepare for the festivities. The sight of families, friends, and individuals eagerly hopping from one shop to another adds to the festive charm, but beneath this cheerful exterior lies an unsettling reality—Ukhrul’s deteriorating town roads have become a nightmare for commuters.
The festive season, which should be marked by joy and merrymaking, is now shadowed by frustration caused by neglected pothole-ridden roads. The narrow, congested streets of Ukhrul town are further burdened by increasing traffic, a lack of designated parking areas, and unsafe conditions for pedestrians and vendors. What could be a time of seamless celebration has turned into a struggle for residents who are calling for urgent intervention from the authorities.
The heart of the matter lies in the town’s main road stretch, spanning approximately 8 to 9 kilometers, which is marred with countless potholes. These potholes not only slow down traffic but also pose significant risks to both drivers and pedestrians. Vehicles constantly maneuvering around the road hazards cause traffic jams, leading to chaos in what is already a crowded market.
During an interaction with this journalist amidst the congestion of Ukhrul’s town center, a middle-aged woman who had traveled from her village to shop for her children lamented her frustration. “I came with a long list of things to buy for Christmas, but the traffic and reckless driving have made it nearly impossible. I have to watch out for vehicles the entire time, and with potholes everywhere, it feels like an accident waiting to happen,” she said. “We came to celebrate Christmas, not to spend it in the hospital,” she added jokingly, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Even religious leaders have stepped forward to voice their concern. A pastor from Ukhrul town passionately appealed to the authorities, emphasizing the significance of Christmas for the Christian community. “Christmas is the biggest and most sacred festival for us. I urge the government to repair the town roads before Christmas so that we can glorify God in peace and harmony. The potholes have caused frustration and anger among the people, and they deserve better from the government,” he stated.
The crumbling condition of the roads has prompted many residents to express their discontent. C. Angam, an active social worker, took to social media to highlight the issue. “Public appeals are an indirect criticism of the government’s inefficiency. It is their responsibility to feel the pulse of their citizens and act accordingly. Ukhrul town, being one of the oldest district headquarters, deserves proper infrastructure, but the worsening condition of its roads tells a different story,” he remarked. Angam’s words resonate with the growing frustration among Ukhrulites who feel neglected in terms of development.
Young community leaders have also stepped forward to question the state government’s commitment to improving basic infrastructure in hill districts. Eno. Than, a youth leader, strongly criticized the state for the glaring developmental disparity. “As citizens in a democracy, we have the right to question the government. Why is there such an acute development deficit in Ukhrul compared to other district headquarters? The condition of these roads is unacceptable and unsafe, and it’s time the government addressed these grievances seriously,” he charged.
The lack of proper roads has not only become an inconvenience but also a safety hazard. The congested streets, combined with reckless driving to avoid potholes, endanger pedestrians, including vendors who line the footpaths. Many have called on the administration to clear encroachments and reorganize traffic flow to ensure public safety. “The streets need to be decongested for everyone’s safety,” added a concerned resident.
Adding to the chorus of voices, several organizations are reportedly considering taking the matter to court if no immediate action is taken. The increasing number of complaints from residents, coupled with visible government inaction, has pushed public patience to its limit. “If the authorities remain deaf to our appeals, we will have no choice but to escalate the matter legally,” shared a local organization leader.
At its core, the issue of Ukhrul’s pothole-riddled roads is a glaring reminder of the broader development neglect that many hill districts face. While the festive season brings a sense of unity and joy, it is also a time to reflect on how basic infrastructure impacts daily lives. For the people of Ukhrul, Christmas should not be marred by something as preventable as bad roads.
The citizens’ message is clear: they are not asking for luxury but for the fulfillment of basic needs. Gandhi’s timeless wisdom—”Be the change you wish to see in the world”—rings true as the people of Ukhrul continue to demand action. It is now up to the government and local authorities to respond to these appeals before Christmas, ensuring that the season of joy is not overshadowed by frustration and neglect.
At the end of the day, good governance is measured by how it listens and responds to the needs of its people. For the residents of Ukhrul, fixing the potholes before Christmas is not just a matter of convenience but a fundamental step toward restoring trust and ensuring their safety.
