Ukhrul, April 17: With the once striving Hundung Cement Factory in Ukhrul district now lying in ruins beyond repair or rather beyond redemption, the remaining skeleton factory has become a den for looters, according to sources.

Establishment in 1984, the then C.M Rishang Keishing had inaugurated the factory in 1986, in the status of production trial and subsequently the crusher was commissioned in 1988.The dry cement factory was constructed at an estimated cost Rs.5 crores under NEDCO, Guwahati.

During its short span, five general managers, viz., Chatra, Chaoba, Ninghor, Ngaitheng and Ali and over 300 employees were employed of which 200 employees/worker work on the regular basis.

When The Sangai Express contacted a former general manager said, on condition of anonymity, that during his period as GM, he continuously apprised the higher authority to privatize or commissioned it as a full fledged factory.

However, the then Managing Director and the then Commissioner thwarted the proposal.

It was the beginning of an end of that very unfortunate cement factory, he said.

The ex-GM observed that there was no shortage in production or quality as a senior chemist had even pronounce it as best quality cement being found ever found all over India.

Though the area (factory) was a sinking prone area, strategic planning were seriously needed, So the planning, monitoring and evaluation teams were constituted and apprised the higher up to shift the base as there would have enough space to accommodate the Hundung cement factory which has 10 acres of land extending beyond the Magazine area (explosive).

Recounting his stint as GM, he said that he performs his duty sincerely and dutifully but the concern authority�s apathy in collusion with some vested interested groups led ultimately to the downfall of the factory in 2002 and declared as a sick unit.

On March last, the NSCN (IM) Wung Region apprehended one agent name Narayan from Bhavanipur, Bihar while transporting a full loaded truck of factory materials near the cement factory.

The CAO, Wungkhai WTR, said that during interrogation the accused Narayan admitted to sell off six such truck loads at Imphal based companies.

The accused also revealed that he sold the goods at the rate of Rs 9 per kg.

He added that the interrogation of the accused was still going on as some Tangkhuls and the major king-pin involved in the racket are still at large.

The master mind will surface very soon till then the accused will be in their custody, he said firmly.

Nevertheless, five days back one 407 Canter, Mini Truck bearing Reg.

Nos.MNO1-4600 was found fully loaded with factory Iron materials hidden in the forest, covered with leaves near the cement factory, which were also in the custody of NSCN, WTR, as the owner are still absconding, sources added.

Upon learning the incident The Sangai Express conducted a spot survey and found the place in a very sorry state, where only skeleton greeted and silently convey the tragedy, Electrical power engine, water puller generator with high horse power, pipes, wires, Clay dryer, Clay mill, Cluster, Raw mill, Kiln, cement mill, Clinker, Motor etc, were all gone.

The 12 quarters meant for the employees were also in ruins.

Comment