The Japukong Students’ Conference (JKM) has urged the Nagaland Government and concerned departments to urgently reconstruct the flood-damaged Milak Bailey Bridge at Yajang ‘C’ village and the hanging bridge at Lizo Model Village, which were destroyed by heavy rainfall and flooding on July 19.
A team of JKM officials, executive members and advisors visited both villages on August 12 to assess the situation and interact with affected communities.
At Yajang ‘C’, JKM said the destruction of the Milak Bailey Bridge has severely disrupted connectivity for students, farmers, daily wage earners, small business owners and the general public. The bridge provides an important access route to Rajeshwari Karuna School at Wamaken Valley in Tuli and the 13th NAP (IR) Battalion at Yajang.
The bridge’s destruction has also affected the transportation of agricultural produce and essential supplies, while access to medical facilities has become more difficult, causing significant hardship to villagers.
According to a press release issued by JKM president, Angemangyang and general secretary, Tiarenla, the JKM had sought a joint meeting involving the village councils of the four Yajang villages, the 13th NAP (IR) Battalion and the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Feeder Roads Division, Tuli. However, the concerned PWD representatives were reportedly absent, which JKM said prevented meaningful deliberations and better outcomes.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
During the meeting, Village Councils also expressed resentment over the alleged prolonged neglect and poor maintenance of the road connecting Yajang ‘A’ to NH-02 (Amguri-Tuli Road).
JKM appealed to the Government, particularly the NPWD (R&B), to reconstruct the Milak Bailey Bridge at the earliest, noting that the structure is also part of the Nagaland Foothill Road and therefore has significance not only for the people of Yajang village or the Japukong community, but the Nagas at large.
It also urged the PWD (R&B) Feeder Roads Division, Tuli, to undertake immediate maintenance of the Yajang ‘A’-NH-02 (Amguri-Tuli) road, which it described as a lifeline for several villages and the Japukong Range.
Meanwhile, the hanging bridge at Lizo Model Village was also destroyed in the July 19 flood, leaving residents facing serious difficulties in accessing essential services and transporting goods.
JKM said the absence of the bridge has particularly affected access to healthcare. In one instance, a sick person reportedly had to be carried by villagers on a bamboo stretcher for more than two kilometres.
The situation has also disrupted education. Since Lizo Model Village does not have a school, students depend on schools in Longpayimsen and neighbouring villages, but the damaged bridge lies along their only connecting route, making daily travel difficult and unsafe.
During its visit, JKM held discussions with the Lizo Model Village Council and assessed the condition of the damaged bridge and the difficulties being faced by residents.
The student body urged the concerned authorities, particularly the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), to initiate immediate measures for restoration and reconstruction of the damaged bridge.
JKM said both bridges serve as vital lifelines for communities in the Japukong area and their restoration should be accorded priority in the interest of public safety and convenience.
It urged the concerned Departments and the Government for immediate intervention on these issues without any delay.
Meanwhile, the JKM appreciated the participation and cooperation of all the concerned stakeholders during the visit and remains committed to following up on the matter until necessary action is taken.
