Ukhrul, June 16 | EKHON: Travellers along the Tangkhul Hundung–Shingkap stretch, a key PMGSY route, were left stranded for nearly two hours on Tuesday after heavy rain triggered landslides, causing major disruption on the narrow and already damaged road.
This correspondent, who was travelling along the route at the time of the incident, witnessed long queues of both commercial and private vehicles coming from Imphal and Ukhrul brought to a complete halt after a JCP engaged in clearing fallen debris got stuck midway while attempting to restore passage. Passengers were forced to remain stranded in their vehicles for nearly two hours, braving hunger and cold in a remote stretch as the road remained completely blocked.
The route has lately become a critical alternative for commuters travelling towards Imphal, especially as the ongoing tensions between Naga and Kuki communities have made travel along NH-202, particularly the Litan–Mahadev stretch, increasingly unsafe and unreliable. As a result, more travelers have been rerouting through Mapithel range, placing additional pressure on roads already vulnerable to monsoon damage.
Earlier this week, MLA Ram Muivah led restoration work on the Ramva–Lungpha stretch at Mata Junction, offering relief to commuters. Back in February, MLA Leishiyo Keishing also took up repairing work along the connectivity of Tangkhul Hundung Jn-Nongdam through the assistance of the Chief Minister.
However, the entire route, Mapithel range, remains highly volatile and urgently needs repairs. The road is narrow, riddled with potholes, and highly prone to landslides and water-logging. It is worth noting that this stretch currently serves as the lifeline for the Tangkhul Naga community.
Local authorities have made considerable efforts to improve vehicular movement. On May 21, Zingsho Mapithel Long issued a notice stating they had sought the Chief Minister’s help to repair the road, citing NH-202’s unreliability.
Though they received confirmation for work to begin on the Ramva–Hongbei via Nongdam stretch, no progress is visible on the ground. Separately, Tangkhul Naga Aze Longphang also initiated restoration work on the Nongdam-Ramva road. Despite that, risk continue to be seen. A taxi driver said the route has witnessed 4-5 accidents, particularly involving trucks carrying essential commodities.
While locals and village authorities have repeatedly appealed to the state government for assistance, no response has been received so far. The incident once again exposed the growing hardship faced by commuters, mostly Tangkhul Nagas, who continue to battle poor road connectivity, landslides, and limited safe travel options amid the prevailing crisis in the region.
