Manipur Drivers’ Association, Rongmei Council raise grievances with governor

IMPHAL — Members of the Manipur Drivers’ Association (MDA) met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Friday to voice concerns over the hardships faced in transporting essential commodities following a landslide that cut off the Imphal-Dimapur highway at Phesama in Nagaland between June 1 and 4.

The delegation highlighted issues including poor road conditions, the urgent need for alternative bypass routes, and related logistical challenges. The Governor gave a patient hearing and assured them that necessary steps would be taken to address their concerns.

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According to sources, the MDA, in collaboration with the Senapati District Truck Owners Association, Senapati District Truck Drivers Union, and the North East Federation of Trade Unions, has been actively involved in road repair work along the Chakabama–Kedima alternative route in Nagaland.

In response to the landslide, the Manipur Government has identified two alternate routes connecting Imphal with Dimapur via National Highway 2 and has proposed these options to the Nagaland Government for approval.

The proposed alternative routes, capable of handling vehicles up to a 3-axle load (25 MT), are Dimapur–Jharapani–Jalukie–Peren–Maram–Imphal (293 km); and Dimapur–Kohima–Chakabama–Jessami–Ukhrul–Imphal (372 km).

Traffic diversions for light motor vehicles are already operational to maintain connectivity. The current routes are Dimapur–Kohima–Phesama–Kisama–Jakhama–Mao–Maram–Imphal (193 km) – for light vehicles; and Dimapur–Kohima–Chakabama–Kidima–Mao–Maram–Imphal (207 km) – for up to 2-axle load traffic.

Of the 28-km stretch between Mao–Kidima–Chakabama, 9 km lies within Manipur and is being maintained by the state’s Public Works Department.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Rongmei Naga Council, Manipur, also called on Governor Bhalla on Friday. They drew attention to several challenges faced by the community in Tamenglong district, including delays in public distribution, inadequate power supply, understaffed healthcare facilities, poor road connectivity, and gaps in essential services.

The delegation appealed for immediate government intervention to improve infrastructure, ensure timely delivery of basic services, and facilitate overall development. The Governor assured them that the government would look into the issues raised and take appropriate action.