Ukhrul: The Ukhrul District Administration, in collaboration with apex civil society organisations including the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), on Thursday carried out an eviction drive at Litan Sareikhong along the Imphal–Ukhrul stretch of National Highway 202.
The drive marks the first eviction exercise ever conducted in the history of Ukhrul district.
Speaking to EastMojo at the site, Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner Asish Das said the issue had remained unresolved for the past four to five years, causing immense hardship to commuters due to the deplorable condition of the Imphal–Ukhrul road.
He said that while a majority of the sanctioned compensation amount had already been released, some affected families continued to demand additional compensation and refused to vacate the encroached areas, thereby delaying the road expansion work.
“The eviction drive was initially launched in August 2025, but following requests from local residents, the administration extended the deadline by five months,” Das said. “However, even after the extended period, the affected families failed to clear the road.”
The deputy commissioner added that after issuing a series of notices, including the most recent notification on January 7, 2026, the district administration was left with no option but to initiate the eviction drive. He described the move as a bold step and reiterated that it was possibly the first eviction drive undertaken in the district.
Das also urged the public to cooperate with the administration as the eviction drive continues.
Meanwhile, RS Jollyson, vice-president of the Tangkhul Naga Long, said that around 20 houses spread across an 800-metre stretch from Litan are affected by the road expansion project. He appealed to the concerned families to vacate their structures voluntarily before forceful eviction becomes necessary.
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The road expansion project from Yaingangpokpi to Finch Corner reportedly commenced around March 2020 and was initially targeted for completion within approximately 20 months. However, even after nearly five to six years, the project remains incomplete.
The Ukhrul deputy commissioner emphasised that the ongoing project is now targeted for completion by March this year.
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