Manipur: Mayai Lambi residents block national highway as road crisis deepens

Residents from five localities have blocked traffic along the Mayai Lambi stretch of NH-137A near Khagempalli area, demanding immediate repairs to the deteriorating 9-kilometre road that connects Keishampat Junction to Hiyangthang.

 

The protest, involving residents from Pishumthong Oinam Leikai, Pishumthong, Pishumthong Ningom Leikai, Khagempalli Huidrom Leikai, and Khagempalli Panthak, highlights mounting public frustration over months of inaction despite repeated appeals to authorities.

 

Local MLA Sapam Nishikanta attributed the delay to an ongoing sewerage project along the same route, which has prevented road repair work. Speaking to the media in the presence of PHED and PWD officials at his residence, he acknowledged the severe inconvenience faced by commuters and appealed to the governor to expedite the sewerage work.

 

"The people are suffering greatly due to poor road conditions. The concerned authorities must speed up the sewerage project so that residents can finally have a decent road," Nishikanta said. He noted that since Mayai Lambi is a national highway, repairs require coordination between the central and state governments through the Public Works Department.

 

After consulting with PWD officials and sewerage project managers, the MLA expressed hope that completion would accelerate now that the rainy season has ended.

 

Protesters, however, warned that their agitation would continue until concrete action is taken. One demonstrator described the road's condition as life-threatening, pointing to frequent accidents and deteriorating health among nearby residents due to dust pollution.

 

"The state government has continuously neglected this road despite our repeated requests. Our patience has run out, and we will not stop until repairs begin," the protester said.

 

Officials overseeing the sewerage project cited frequent rainfall and flooding as major obstacles to completion but promised concentrated efforts to finish the work now that weather conditions have improved.