Imphal, October 27: Construction work of the Assembly Secretariat and High Court complex at Chingmeirong as part of the larger Capitol project has been stalled and the officials of the firm engaged for the work have left Imphal following threats from underground organisations.

The construction of the Assembly and the High Court complex began after Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone during his last visit to Manipur.

The project is being funded by the Central Government.

The Kolkata-based Simplex Infrastructure Limited was engaged for the construction work with State Works Department as nodal agency.

According to a reliable source, the construction work has been abruptly stopped for the last one week after some underground elements issued threats on the officials of the firm.

Subsequently all of the top officials of the firm have fled from Imphal.

Presently only a few workers are staying at the work site.

Around 30 piles out of the required 500 piles for the foundation of the Assembly complex have already been constructed.

An inspection trip to the work site also confirmed that all construction activities have ceased although some security personnel were seen on duty.

Construction work at the Capitol Project began after the Works Department released the work order on January 3 this year.

The total estimated cost of the Assembly complex is Rs 141.14 crores while that of the High Court complex is Rs 88 crores.

Personnel of Ist IRB are currently posted at the work site and security posts/barracks have also been set up.

Comment