Ukhrul/Imphal, June 26, 2026: A rejoinder issued by Awungshi Philip Soso of Khamasom Phungdhar Village, Ukhrul District, Manipur has challenged the claims made by Mr. LW Mataisang, Headman of Lunghar Village and sub-contractor of Bhartia Infra Projects Ltd, in connection with the ongoing controversy surrounding the tender process for a major tourism infrastructure project in Ukhrul district.
The rejoinder was issued in response to a news item dated June 24, 2026, carried by Tangkhul Express and The Rural Post, wherein Mataisang had reportedly urged the Chief Minister of Manipur to intervene against repeated court cases and RTI queries, alleging that such actions were hampering the progress of the project.
Soso, however, clarified that the RTI applications were filed in the spirit of public accountability and transparency in procurement, and not to obstruct development work. He maintained that the RTI procedure was undertaken to seek clarity on what he described as major deviations in the tender process.
According to the rejoinder, the court cases and RTI queries should not be mixed together, as the court cases were reportedly filed by technically non-responsive bidders challenging their disqualification, while the RTI sought information related to the tender and execution process.
The rejoinder specifically raised concerns over the project titled “Construction of Shirui Heritage Village and Bakshi Ground at Ukhrul District, Manipur” under the Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment (SASCI), FY 2025–26.
Soso claimed that the financial bid revealed “startling deviations and sparks transparency concerns.” He alleged that deviations in the Bill of Quantities, compared with the estimated project cost of ₹59.03 crore, resulted in a reserved overall savings of ₹17.93 crore, amounting to 30.37 percent prior to bidding, which he said effectively gave a cost advantage to the contractor.
The rejoinder stated that the project was divided into two major components: Shirui Hill and Bakshi Ground with 27 sub-heads/components, and Phangrei and Jorcheng with 11 sub-heads/components.
Among the discrepancies highlighted were major variations in items such as Vendor Haat, Single Cottages, Twin Cottages, Gazebos, Bird Watch Tower, Intermediate Resting Shed, Polycarbonate Dome Glamp Tent, and Hiking Track to Phangrei Lake.
Questioning who would be responsible for the alleged reserved savings of ₹17.93 crore, Soso said the issue is a huge amount that should not go unexamined. He further stated that citizens need transparency, accountability and integrity in every development project.
The rejoinder appealed to the Tender Inviting Authority to provide a clear and reasonable explanation to both the RTI applicant and the public. It added that a transparent response would help dispel doubts and restore public confidence in the procurement process.
Soso also stated that in the absence of satisfactory clarification, lawful remedies under the Constitution and applicable laws may be pursued before the appropriate authorities in the larger public interest.
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