Imphal: Normal vehicular movement along NH-37 in Imphal West district section was disrupted on Tuesday after residents blocked the highway in protest against deplorable conditions of the road.
The protesters also locked down the office of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in Imphal.
People residing between Khumbong and Moidangpokpi in Imphal West district imposed the blockade on the highway starting from the early morning today.
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The protesters came out on the road and blocked movement of all kinds of vehicles on the highway. They blocked the road by piling logs and stones.
The NHIDCL is currently engaging in the road expansion works along the NH-37 from Khumbong and Moidangpokpi and the stretch of the road remains in a deplorable condition as there is no progress after WBM works.
Pitches on the sides of the road as a part of road expansion work are not filled up properly, causing inconveniences to not only highway travellers but also to the residents.
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According to the residents, through local clubs and women bodies, they have met with the concerned officials of the NHIDCL on many occasions and requested for timely completion of the earth works.
At the latest, they met with the officials on January 30 last and the officials assured to fill up the pitches and potholes and completion of blacktopping by February 20, said the residents.
Even though the officials gave a written assurance, it was not translated into works within the stipulated time, a woman leader alleged.
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To find out the reason for not translating the assurance into work, a group of women went to the office of the NHIDCL in Imphal. However, no official was found in the office. Angered by the absence of the officials, the protesters locked down the office with a padlock.
While locking down the office, they warned that the road blockade will continue until a positive response comes forth from the NHIDCL office for the early completion of the road improvement works.
NNN
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