Residents along the National Highway 37 stretch from Oriental College to Yurembam in Imphal West have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the state government, demanding immediate resumption of road construction and blacktopping works. They have warned of intense agitation if the authorities fail to act within the given timeframe.
The ultimatum follows repeated delays in completing the long-pending repair and blacktopping of this crucial highway stretch. Earlier, local clubs and residents had staged road blockades to highlight the deteriorating condition of the road. Subsequently, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Imphal West had assured that the work would be completed within 15 days, prompting the protesters to suspend their agitation and extend the deadline to two months.
Ng. Noren, General Secretary of Patsoi Langjing Bazaar Committee, stated to media persons, “The DC assured us that blacktopping work would resume immediately and be completed within a reasonable time. Trusting this assurance, we suspended our protest. However, despite over two months passing, there has been no progress.”
Noren further mentioned that initial signs of work appeared around five days ago when water was sprayed along the road in preparation for blacktopping. However, the activity ceased abruptly without further progress. “It’s evident that the authorities are not treating this matter seriously. There has been no visible follow-up,” Noren expressed.
Local residents reported submitting a report to the Deputy Commissioner after the incomplete work, but no concrete action has been taken so far. Frustrated by the lack of action, residents are prepared to escalate their protest if their demands are not met within 48 hours.
“We want the authorities to realize that this is not just a demand—it is a necessity. The road’s condition is dire and affects thousands of commuters daily. If construction does not resume within 48 hours, the government will be accountable for any consequences resulting from our collective protest,” the residents emphasized.
Residents of Patsoi, Langjing, and adjoining areas have urged the concerned authorities to act promptly, cautioning that any further delay could lead to widespread public unrest.
