Residents of several villages in Ukhrul district have warned of a 72-hour blockade along National Highway-202 if the government does not act on long-pending demands related to road expansion and land compensation.
Villagers from Hungpung, Shangshak Phunghon, Shangshak Khullen and Hatha said they plan to block traffic on NH-202 from February 4 to February 6. The protest will cover the stretch between Finch Corner and Choithar Junction, which they say has been left in poor condition for years.
According to the residents, the widening of NH-202 began in 2018, but the crucial Finch Corner to Choithar Junction section has seen little to no progress. They also alleged that land compensation has not been paid to families whose land was acquired for the project, despite the completion of the acquisition process.
The villagers said they submitted a written representation to the Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner on January 28, seeking immediate intervention. However, they claimed no concrete response or assurance has been received so far.
Calling NH-202 the lifeline of the district, the residents said the highway is essential for medical emergencies, daily travel, trade, education and access to basic services. They pointed out that the current condition of the road has made travel difficult and unsafe, especially during the rainy season.
They further stated that work under Package-3 and Package-4 has been stalled for a long time, leading to severe public hardship. Large potholes, damaged stretches and frequent landslides have increased the risk of accidents and disrupted movement.
While construction is reportedly ongoing on the Yaingangpokpi to Finch Corner section, villagers said the Finch Corner to Hungpung package was cancelled due to lack of funds. They added that the tender for the Hungpung to Choithar section has not yet been floated.
The villagers warned that the proposed blockade would be withdrawn only if the concerned authorities provide clear assurance and visible progress on the ground within a week. They urged the government to act quickly to avoid disruption and address the long-standing issues affecting the people of Ukhrul.
