So near yet so far away

IMPHAL, February 22: Nongpok Keithelmanbi and the chain of villages along the Thoubal Barrage, must rank as some of the most backward and remote areas in the state although the former village is only around 13 km from Yairipok bazar in the Imphal East district. The other villages, Nongbrang, Kamuching, Bungba Khullen and Laikhong villages all have one thing in common; extreme underdevelopment in terms of basic infrastructures. Complete lack of attention and consistent neglect of the state authorities in regards of transportation, communication, health, education, water supply and electricity are the main complaints raised by the villagers during a recent visit. The Thoubal Barrage road, a stretch of 15 km which connects Nongpok Keithelmanbi and Yairipok and caters to the transport communication needs of the surrounding villages has been remaining raw and unattended for the last 20 years. As regards educational facilities, all the students of these remote villages have to depend on Yairipok and Thoubal for higher secondary and college educations. The only primary school for the area at Keithelmanbi is badly in want of teachers only two teachers are available at the moment for around 160 students, whereas at least five are needed. The primary health center PHC, at Keithelmanbi remains for namesake only. Devoid of a medical officer, the PHC is run by a female and a male health workers, a male health supervisor and a pharmacist. During emergencies, the locals have to come to Imphal for treatment. There is no sign of any telecommunication facilities in these villages either. They have also learned to live in permanent blackout since the electricity lines to the area have been cut off by the department for the alleged failure of the consumers to clear taxes.