TYCM appeals Imphal–Saikul Road Joint Development Committee to withdraw proposed indefinite blockade

Expression serious concern over the proposed indefinite bandh along Imphal- Saikul road from December 24, the Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM), Council Headquarters, appealed to the Imphal–Saikul Road Joint Development Committee (ISRJDC) to withdraw the proposed indefinite blockade, citing the observance of Christmas 2025 and the New Year 2026.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the council suggested that the blockade should be rescheduled after January 5, 2026, to avoid inconvenience to the public.

TYCM stated that during the festive season, people from various communities, including non-Christians, travel extensively to participate in celebrations and that church leaders and members also move between villages and Imphal for essential preparations, including procurement of goods and materials for Christmas and New Year programmes.

Cautioning that any disruption of movement during this period could cause serious difficulties for the general public, TYCM also stated that parties responsible for imposing the blockade would be held solely accountable for any unwanted incidents arising from the disruption of movement during the festive season.

It is worth mentioning that Saikul Road Joint Development Committee on December 22 had announced an indefinite blockade along the Imphal Saikul road stretch from 5 in the morning of December 24, over prolonged negligence and inaction by both the former State Government and the present President’s Rule government in addressing repeated demands for repair of the deteriorated road.

Convenor of the committee, Tonjam Somorjit while making the announcement for the proposed bandh stated that they had refrained from launching intense agitation even after the expiry of 15 days ultimatum served to the government on November 22, considering the ongoing school and college examinations.

However, despite repeated appeals, no visible steps have been taken for the repair or renovation of the damaged road stretch till date. As such the committee had decided to enforce a closure of the road from December 24 said Somorjit.

The convenor added that the decision would not be rolled back until the government initiates concrete measures to repair the road.