By Shyam Waikhom
IMPHAL, January 2: The only road connecting Senapati and Ukhrul Districts has not been repaired since the last 15 years and it has been in a deplorable condition. People of Paomata circle, Sanaramai circle and many and other villages existing along this route are still waiting for repairing of the road.
The road from Tadubi area of National Highway-2 on the eastern part of the Senapati District can reach Ukhrul District after passing various villages like Tungjoy, Liyai, Phuba, Maiba, Purul circle and villages like Saranamai, Khaikho Paomata etc. This road has served as a vital link between the two districts.
This IFP reporter witnessed the terrible condition of the said road during a trip last month, passing through a number of villages up to Saranamai Village. The roads along this stretch are mostly covered with dust with a few stones lying sparsely.
It may be mentioned that the important connecting route between the two districts has been left neglected for a long period of time. Because of the condition of the road, there is hardly any passenger vehicle seen plying on the road. Either people use private vehicles or they have to walk if they want to reach another village.
Villagers have to rely on whatever is grown in their villages as there is no commercial activity taking place because of the bad road condition. The condition of the road is worse during rainy seasons as it is mostly filled with mud and water, said one villager of Saranamei.
Interacting with the IFP, Village Chairman of Khaikho Village of Saranamai circle, V Kho said that they have seen three MLAs winning from Mao A/C but none of them have taken any initiative in repairing of the road.
The sitting MLA, Dekho had provided hope of repairing road under PMGSY scheme (2007-2012), but till today it has still been a dream, he added.
He said rainy seasons have been the most trying time for the villagers. We have to walk 15-16 Km to reach Tadubi Bazar as no vehicles can run on this road. When people fall sick, we have to carry them on make shift stretchers, he said.
He continued that children`™s education have been badly affected because of almost non-existent transport facility. It seems that the government is not all interested in developing the road, he said. He added that 15 years is a too long time to wait.
The locals of Saranamai area, Paomata circle, Tungjoy, Liwa and Phuba have submitted several memorandums to the Mao MLA but no necessary action has been taken up till today, he lamented.