Manipur: Students, villagers unite in Kakching to protest crumbling road, set August 13 deadline for repair

Anger and frustration boiled over in Kakching district of Manipur as hundreds of villagers, including school and college students, staged a mass protest on Wednesday, demanding immediate repair of the Irengband–Kakching-Tekcham Road, a crucial 5.2-km stretch that has reportedly remained in a dilapidated state for over 16 years.

The protestors gathered near Irengband village, decrying the continued apathy of authorities despite repeated assurances and tendering promises under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Protestors held placards and raised slogans, expressing deep disappointment with the government's failure to act on a long-standing issue that affects over 680 households.

“The road is full of potholes, mud, and slippery patches. Commuting is risky, and it’s a daily nightmare for students and the elderly,” said William, a protestor and local resident. “Despite being promised that tenders had been floated under PMGSY for blacktopping the road, no visible progress has been made. The authorities have failed us time and again.”

The All Irengband Football Association had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, urging swift action. However, locals claim that the administration has neither initiated repair work nor provided any timeline for improvements.

The road is seen as the lifeline of Irengband village, facilitating transportation, business, access to education, and emergency services. Its deteriorating condition has become a major hazard, especially for students walking to schools — both government-aided and private — who now risk injury on a daily basis.

“This isn't just a road issue—it’s a question of basic rights. Denying us a safe passage to school and the market is like breaking the spine of the village,” added another protestor.

The villagers have warned authorities that if immediate action is not taken, they will undertake repair works themselves from August 13 onwards, marking a symbolic act of self-reliance and protest against neglect.