KAMJONG: Kamjong residents along the Indo-Myanmar border have appealed for immediate intervention from the state government over the severely deteriorated Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) roads in the district. Several PMGSY roads in Kamjong District lie in ruins, with no sign of maintenance or repair. The roads remain severely neglected, incomplete, and abandoned, leaving residents in a dire, vulnerable situation.
One of the worst-affected roads is the Kamjong–Chattric–Chahong Khunou road, where thick vegetation has overgrown sections of the road, and numerous potholes have rendered it almost unmotorable. The road serves as a vital link between Kamjong district headquarters and several border villages, including Chahong Khunou, Chattric Khullen, Chattric Khunou, Sahamphung, Roni, Matiyang, Chamu, Hangokaphung, Khayang, Phungtha and Kachaophung, among others along the Indo-Myanmar border.
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Although a 13-km stretch from Kamjong was blacktopped, the road has deteriorated considerably due to the lack of maintenance and repairs. Despite its deplorable condition, it remains the only vital road link for residents of the border region.
The reportedly ‘neglected’ and ‘abandoned’ roads are Zingsui to Mapum, Zingsui to Sahamphung, Sahamphung to Matiyang, Matiyang to Chamu, Chamu to Khayang/Phungtha, Phungtha to Kaachaophung, and Maokot to Kachaophung. The other key roads under PMGSY that are left in severe disrepair are BRTF Road-Sampui-Ningthi, BRTF Road-Maku, Maku Junction-Langli-Chahong Khullen, BRTF Road-Shingcha, and Kamjong-Kongkan-Aishi-Molvailup-Kultuh.
The only road in the district in proper condition is the Kamjong to Huimin Thana, a stretch of 31 Km, constructed by the Northeastern Council.
Adding to the difficulties faced by villagers, the Bailey bridge over the Namban River was reportedly blown up and destroyed by suspected Kuki militants on July 21, 2026, further disrupting connectivity in the area.
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On a visit to the area by this Ukhrul Times reporter, villagers reported that several memoranda were submitted to the chief minister, governor, and the commissioner of Rural Development. However, no tangible response was received, villagers alleged.
The villagers alleged that the area remains neglected, leaving the villagers to fend for themselves. They also reported that the area lacks properly functioning schools and hospitals. They reported that the only medical centre, the Primary Health Sub-Centre at Sahamphung, also lacks adequate medical facilities, infrastructure, and staff. Consequently, they had to rely on the District Hospital in Kamjong, the villagers stated.
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Notably, in the current communal conflict in Manipur, Kamjong district remains one of the most affected, and these villages are the most vulnerable. The state government has provided little to no security in this region, and time will tell how effective these measures are amidst the poor and terrible road conditions, coupled with a lack of proper medical facilities.
