IMPHAL, January 8: Public anger of residents along the NH-37 against the Manipur Government over its apathy on repairing of the road stretch from Wahengbam Leikai to Oriental College led them to block NH-37, from Wahengbam Leikai to Oriental College road for several hours today leading to huge traffic snarls in the Imphal area.
The agitating local residents were later pacified by the Additional Chief Engineer, Executive Engineer and Superintending Engineer of National Highway Division, Public Works Dept and a contractor entrusted with the road repairing work. The road blockade was relaxed around 11:30 am.
Officials assured the local residents who were protesting after joining hands with the Joint Coordinating Committee for Development that the road repairing work of one side will be covered within February 26 and the other side will be completed as soon as possible.
They also said the NH-2 is now being repaired in full swing in view of the forthcoming Asian Car Rally that will pass through the route.
Bikramjit, special contractor entrusted with the repairing work of the road section from Wahengbam Leikai to Oriental College along NH-37, said the work has been delayed due to the tender process and non-release of the amount for the purpose by the Centre.
Speaking to media persons, Manoj, convenor of the Joint Coordinating Committee for Development, said that road blockade of Lukram Leirak, Khuraijam Leirak, Loukrakpam Leikai will be continued.
The road block was called by ,Co-ordinating committee instituted by 10 clubs of Sagolband: Youth Development Organisation (YDO), Lukram Leirak; Ideal Club, Tera Keithel; Nalam Sang, Khuraijam Leirak; Youth Forum, Tera Tongbram Leikai; Development Committee Bijoy Govinda Gram Pancahayat; Eastern Development Committee, Tera; NH-53 Kanglei ching Tam Leima Lup, Tera Yambem Leikai; Thangbaijam Leikai Development Committee; Yengkhom Leirak Youth Development Club (YLDC); Yengkhom Leirak, Loukham Leirak Welfare Association, Loukham Leirak.