IMPHAL, July 21: Union Defense Minister, Jitendra Singh has given assurance that the National Highway 37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) will be completed as soon as possible; however he failed to give a deadline of completion.
Jitendra, who also holds the portfolio of Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge) arrived at Imphal Airport in the morning and was received by the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and cabinet ministers.
Afterwards, the Union minister was transported to Nungba by chopper and accompanied by Ibobi Singh and Gaikhangam.
From there, the ministerial team headed for Kambirol and inspected the Makru and Irang Bridge. The Minister inspected the bridges on foot and personally took stock of the prevalent road conditions along the Highway.
He was said to have taken photographs himself, of the mud and stuck vehicles along the road. Security was beefed up at the area under the supervision of Tamenglong SP and other additional security provided by CRPF, Assam Rifles, 5th MR, IRB and VDF personnel.
The Minister was also said to have assured the State VIP entourage that the development works along the Highway will be completed as soon as possible and he would approach his concerned counterparts at the Centre in the regard. It may be mentioned that Jitendra had come down to assess the connectivity issue prevalent in the State post the land slide at Phesama ,Nagaland. Supply trucks coming to Imphal have remained stranded since July 12 and Project Sewak is still to begin works, awaiting a lull in the rain and drier weather conditions.
The Minister was slated to leave Nungba and arrive at Imphal by 2.30 pm, but due to adverse weather conditions, his chopper could not take off and had to wait till 3.50 pm. Due to the circumstances, the Minister differed his visit to Khuman Lampak, Sainik School, and meeting with Mary Kom and later interaction with Youth Congress members. He was also to meet BRO officials at the Raj Bhawan.
The Union Minister left for Bangalore at around 5.10 pm.
