Litan a model village for Manipur: Ram
Source: The Sangai Express

Litan, September 12, 2010: Cutting across community line, people of Litan and its surrounding villages today gathered here amid colourful puja and cultural programmes to celebrate the inauguration ceremony of Litan Bridge along the NH-150 in Ukhrul district.

Prior to the new RCC structure, there was a 160 feet long Triple Single Bailey Bridge constructed way back in 1939. Graced by the Principal Secretary (Works) Ram Muivah (IAS) as chief guest, the ceremony among others was attended by SDO Ukhrul and DC in-charge Ranjan Vishal (IAS), CO of 6 MR Ukhrul JK Anal (MPS), Commander 25 BRTF BP Mishra, other dignitaries and chiefs of Litan area villages.

Expressing befitting gratitude to BRTF, the chief guest while speaking on the occasion said, "It is a red letter day for the people of Litan areas to celebrate the successful completion of Litan Bridge with the ceaseless and untiring efforts of BRTF".

Observing that Litan is a role model for the State of Manipur, he said "All the four major communities of Manipur - Nepalis, Meiteis, Tangkhuls and Kukis - have been living together here for ages in perfect harmony and till today there has not been any instance of conflict or tension among the different communities".

It is heartening that there has been peaceful coexistence among the people of different communities of this area and the spirit of being a good example to others should always be upheld, he added.

Principal Secy (Works) Ram Muivah inaugurating Litan Bridge.

Asking the public to cooperate with the BRTF towards implementation of various developmental works in the district, the IAS officer informed that GoI has approved construction of double lane bridge at Sawombung over Iril river at the cost of Rs 6 crore.

Detailing other developmental works lining up for the district, he also said while another bridge is under construction in Nungshangkong, The Centre has sanctioned Rs 16 crore under Inter-State Connectivity Scheme for the time being towards construction of road from Dungrei Junction Ukhrul to Tolloi although the original proposal was upto Tadubi in Senapati district.

According to Ram, Ministry of DOENER has approved two projects - Kamjong to Maokot (Rs 8 crore) and Gamnom Junction to Khoiyang (Rs 28 crore).

MOEF has also given forest clearance for construction of double lane road from Yaingangpokpi to Ukhrul sector at a stretch of 58 km.

Black topping of Ukhrul town road will be executed in the current financial year.

Imphal-Ukhrul road, constructed in 1939 by Allied Force, is the second oldest road in Manipur while Dimapur-Imphal road is the oldest one constructed in 1832, he further informed.

SDO Ukhrul who also spoke on the occasion maintained that the occasion is a landmark for the people of the area to witness the successful completion of a new bridge for the first time after the World War II.

The completion of Litan Bridge is one more feather added in the cap of BRO in its ongoing drive for providing smooth communication in border areas since its inception.

As a token of love, gifts were presented to dance troupes of Mongkot Chepu, Leingangching, choreographers of Tingcha Memorial School, BRTF labourers by the Principal Secretary and the Commander of 25 BRTF.