Ukhrul's Eviction Drive: A Milestone in Road Expansion
In a significant move for the people of Ukhrul district, an eviction drive was carried out on a contentious stretch of National Highway 202. This historic event marks the first such action in the district's history, aimed at clearing encroachments and expediting road expansion works.
The Eviction Drive and Its Impact
The eviction drive, initiated by the Ukhrul District Administration in collaboration with local civil society organizations, targeted encroachments along the Imphal-Ukhrul road. The deplorable condition of this road had been causing considerable inconvenience to commuters for years. Despite a majority of the compensation amount being disbursed, some affected families persistently demanded additional compensation and refused to vacate the encroached areas, thereby obstructing the road expansion work.
The Extended Deadline and Resistance
The eviction drive was initially planned for August 2025, but was postponed following local residents' requests for an extension. Despite the five-month extension, the affected families failed to comply, forcing the administration to take action. After issuing a series of notices, the most recent on January 7, 2026, the district administration initiated the eviction drive.
Cooperation and Appeals
Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner Asish Das emphasized the need for public cooperation during the eviction drive. Meanwhile, RS Jollyson, vice-president of the Tangkhul Naga Long, appealed to the affected families to vacate their structures voluntarily to avoid forceful eviction. The road expansion project, which began around March 2020, has been incomplete for nearly five to six years.
Implications for Northeast India and Beyond
The successful completion of this road expansion project will undoubtedly improve connectivity in the Northeast region of India, benefiting not only the people of Ukhrul but also those in neighboring districts. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing encroachments and ensuring the timely completion of infrastructure projects for the betterment of the region.
Looking Forward
The Ukhrul deputy commissioner has expressed optimism about completing the road expansion project by March 2026. The successful execution of this eviction drive sets a precedent for similar actions in the future, ensuring the timely completion of much-needed infrastructure projects in the Northeast region.