The prestigious project for the development of infrastructure for Shirui Heritage at Ukhrul District, Manipur under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), FY 2025-26 was awarded to M/S Bhartia Infra Projects Limited (BIPL) on 23rd February 2026.
Project in-charge of BIPL, Sunny Shimrah stated that “three bidders participated in the tender process, namely: M/s Nongmaithem Enterprises (Represented by Mr. Vaorei Awungshi), M/s Bhartia Infra Projects Limited (Represented by Sunny Shimrah) and M/s Kim & Sons Construction & Equipment. All the three bidders have done their homework and found no major issues with the tender and that’s why we all have participated in the tender. There is a claim that “there was an error in BOQ including technical flaw and necessary correction, rectification has to be done” if any bidders had any queries regarding the BOQ or whatsoever, he/she should have raised or question this during the pre-bid meeting which was well notified by the concern department. Pre-bid meetings are designed for that purpose only. What were they doing?”
Shimrah further added that “right after the tender, a complaint was submitted to the Hon’ble Governor and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur by Mr. Vaorei Awungshi through DO letters of Hon’ble MLA Ram Muivah asking to cancel the tender. Mr. Vaorei claiming to be the power of attorney holder of M/S Nongmaithem Enterprises filed two court cases at High Court of Manipur, during the course, Proprietor of M/S Nongmaithem Enterprises Mr N Raju Singh issued a letter to DC/ED DRDA that he has not authorized anyone to represent his firm and also ask to take strict legal action. Mentioned may be made here that, M/S Nongmaithem Enterprises was disqualified during “Technical Evaluation” for submission of fake and fraudulent documents. On 22nd May 2026, The High Court of Manipur issued a notice to DC/ED DRDA that the case has been withdrawn and dismissed.
“Mr Philip Awungshi Soso filed RTI for the second time on 29th May 2026, his first RTI filed in March 2026 had been disposed off by Joint Secretary (RD & PR) Sunanda Thokchom as satisfactory on 11th May 2026. Two other RTIs have also been filed by Mr. Kaphungshang Vashim (NPF Unit President) of Shangshak Khunou Village and Chuimei Zimik of Nungou Village. All these RTIs carries different claims of matters related to tenders. All these three persons didn’t even participate in the tender which means they are being fed with information relating to tenders by someone who participated in the tenders with ill intentions to derail the project.”
In view of such disturbances, while speaking to the media on Friday at a Press Conference held at Ukhrul Press Club, LW. Mataisang, Headman of Lunghar VIllage stated that “our sole interest is the timely implementation and successful completion of the Shirui Heritage Development Project for the benefit of the people of Ukhrul District. We have apprehension that the project may be delayed because we came to know about the court cases and various RTIs. We would like to appeal to all public, concerned departments, stakeholders and concerned MLA to facilitate progress, monitor quality of work and timely completion.” He also clarified that he is the Headman of Lunghar VIllage and not a sub-contractor as alleged by Awungshi Philip Soso. LW. Mataisang also stated that “we have questioned the role of MLA in Shirui Heritage Project because we have come to know that MLA Ram Muivah under his DO letter D.O Guv/Ukl/63/24 submitted to Hon’ble Governor of Manipur on 16th January 2026 and DO Letter D.O. CM/Ukl/53/109 submitted to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur on 11th February 2026 requesting to cancel the tender, having a good knowledge that the project under SASCI has a target which would lapse by the financial year end as per its target utilization.”
As one of the beneficiary villages, Lunghar Village Authority has promised to extend full cooperation to any contractor who is awarded the work order to ensure that the Shirui Heritage Project is executed smoothly and completed in time.
The Shirui Heritage Development Project represents a rare opportunity to strengthen tourism infrastructure, generate livelihood opportunities, preserve cultural heritage, and promote the socio-economic development of the region.
