Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has urged the people of the State not to delay or hinder developmental projects, which are meant for bringing State’s advancement and development, due to compensation issues. He said that Tamenglong-Tousem highway is becoming a reality soon as the villages of Tamenglong District, where the road is proposed to pass through, have given their consent for the construction of the road with zero compensation for land, properties, forest, etc.   

As such, Tamenglong and Tousem will soon get a world class highway that will connect with the rest of the country as these villages have taken such an encouraging decision in the interest of the State. The villages include Dailong, Tamenglong, Pabram, Phellong, Namtiram – I & II, Azuram, Charamba, Mandeu, Tousem, Phoklong, Katangnam, Katiang, etc., he said.

It may be mentioned that the proposal was finalized by the Government of Manipur in a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Dr. Rajesh Kumar on September 23, 2020. The proposal has also been approved by K.K. Pathak, Managing Director of National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL). He has instructed the consultants and all the officials of NHIDCL and also the DC of Tamenglong District to get all the required procedures done so that the project may start within January 2021.

Further, over 14 villages in Assam have also welcomed the project and given their consent with zero compensation. It is hoped that the road will change the living standard of the people inhabiting in one of the remotest parts of the State. Further, the road will provide a second lifeline to Manipur and will be able to connect with Guwahati via Haflong in the shortest time. Further, the road is also a part of the Trans-Asian highway which is being planned to link India with the rest of the South Asian countries. Coming of this road will definitely prove to be a game changer to the entire North East States and also the entire country.

This is once again a show of commitment of the BJP-led Government of Manipur that has committed to leave no stone unturned to bring prosperity in both valley and hill areas. It can be hoped that many more highways would become a reality if such projects are not hindered/delayed due to compensation issues.

As per the commitment given by MD of NHIDCL, the work for five packages should start by January 2021. With their co-operation, the long expected dream of the people will be realized soon. Chief Secretary Dr. Rajesh Kumar, PWD officials and Tamenglong DC should be thanked for making this project a reality.