UKHRUL: The NH-202 Development Committee, representing the affected villages of Hungpung, Shangshak Phunghon, Shangshak Khullen, and Hatha, has announced a 72-hour total blockade of National Highway 202 starting the morning of February 4. The decision follows a press conference held at the Ukhrul Press Club, where community leaders expressed deep frustration over stalled construction and the non-payment of land compensation.
The committee highlighted the deplorable state of the Finch Corner to Choithar stretch. As the primary route for emergency medical care, airport access, and commerce between Ukhrul, Kamjong, and Imphal, the road’s current condition, marred by sinking areas, landslides, and massive potholes is being described as a “critical bottleneck.”
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Despite being a strategic artery for the region, the committee noted that ongoing maintenance by NHIDCL-deployed contractors has progressed at a “tortoise pace,” characterized by frequent halts and questionable work quality.
The land acquisition process, which began in 2018 and saw a renewed push in 2023, has left villagers in a state of limbo. Although the 3D (Declaration of Acquisition) and 3G (Award of Compensation) stages under the National Highways Act, 1956, have been completed, no funds have been released.
Landowners are currently unable to farm, build, or develop their property due to the pending highway works, effectively stifling their livelihoods. Consequently, the committee is demanding the mandatory 12% per annum interest from the date of the 3D publication until the 3G award, requesting an immediate recalculation due to these extensive delays.
The committee also pointed out a glaring discrepancy regarding Package-4. While ₹16.37 crore was reportedly awarded for strengthening this 8.6km section via an EPC mode, a fresh maintenance tender of only ₹16 lakh was recently floated. This has raised serious concerns regarding the transparency and utilization of the previously sanctioned multi-crore budget.
“We submitted an application to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Ukhrul on January 28, setting a seven-day timeline. Having received no update, we are forced to initiate action. From the 4th of February, we are blocking NH-202 for 72 hours. We will also lock the NHIDCL office in Ukhrul,” stated Edmund Hunshi, Secretary of the Committee.
Thareiwung Marak, Headman of Hatha, added that this is not merely a local village issue but a “lifeline for the entire Tangkhul community.”requiring the community he said, “I request every individual to show cooperation as it is for the benefit of all”
“The road is in deplorable condition, affecting the people of Ukhrul and Kamjong Districts. On behalf of the committee, I seek cooperation and whatever help is required,” said Hunshi. He further appealed to all apex bodies and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of the district to assist in achieving the committee’s goal of bringing development to the region as early as possible.
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Hunshi continued, “I request the concerned authorities to complete the necessary works without further delay. We seek cooperation from everyone. In the event that any organization or individual opposes the demands of the NH-202 Development Committee, we will initiate required action.”
The committee has appealed for immediate administrative intervention to:
– Execute time-bound payments to all affected landowners.
– Provide a transparent status update on the ₹16.37 crore sanctioned for Package-4.
– Issue official notices to landowners to end the climate of fear and uncertainty.
– Transition Package-4 from minor repairs to a full-fledged EPC contract.