Guwahati: Residents of Hungpung, Shangshak Phunghon, Shangshak Khullen and Hatha villages in Manipur’s Ukhrul district have threatened a 72-hour blockade along National Highway-202 from February 4 to 6, demanding the completion of the highway’s stalled expansion work and the release of pending land compensation to affected families.
The blockade is set to completely shut the stretch of NH-202 between Finch Corner and Choithar Junction, the villagers said, as a protest against delays that have left the crucial road segment in disrepair.
According to the residents, they submitted a representation to the Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner on January 28, seeking urgent intervention in both the stalled project and unresolved compensation issues. They pointed out that although widening work on NH-202 began in 2018, the Finch Corner–Choithar Junction stretch has seen little to no progress.
Calling NH-202 the lifeline of Ukhrul district, the villagers said the highway is essential for emergency healthcare, trade, education and daily movement. Despite the completion of land acquisition, compensation to landowners has yet to be disbursed.
They added that work under Package-3 and Package-4 has been stalled, causing widespread inconvenience. The deteriorating road, marked by potholes and frequent landslides, has worsened travel conditions and raised safety concerns.
While construction continues on the Yaingangpokpi–Finch Corner package, residents said the Finch Corner–Hungpung stretch tender was cancelled due to funding constraints, and the Hungpung–Choithar section has yet to be tendered.
The villagers warned the blockade would be withdrawn only if authorities provide firm assurances and show visible progress on the project within a week.