Imphal May 16 (IANS) : Several shops and houses along NH 37 were demolished on Monday at Tera as part of a road expansion project. However, the demolition drew a sharp reaction from Manipur Social Welfare Minister A. Mirabai who voiced her opposition to the drive.
Soon after the demolition drive began, the minister rushed to the spot and tried to stop the officials. She told them that the demolition should be stopped on humanitarian grounds and sought time on behalf of the shopkeepers and the dwellers.
Mirabai said she would talk to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on this issue. However, the officials did not relent and carried out the drive.
Later, Mirabai flagged the chief minister and expressed her disappointment.
The next phase of demolition will be carried out between Singjamei and Pallel along the Trans-Asian Highway 1.
The government is expanding both the state and national highways to deal with increasing traffic in Manipur.
