Unrest, pathetic road minimises visitors to Tharon Cave

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 29 : The number of tourists visiting Tharon Cave in Tamenglong district has declined considerably owing to the ethnic tension plaguing Manipur since May 3, 2023.
Apart from the unrest affecting their (people of Tharon) livelihood, the road leading to Tharon Village is also pathetic to the point that it is no longer motorable and it compounds their woes.
Inhabited by about 2500 people belonging to the Liangmai tribe, Tharon  Village is located some 30 Kms from Tamenglong District Headquarters.
What makes Tharon Village popular among the local and non local tourists is the Tharon Cave, a  natural marvel which is known for its intricate network of tunnels.
People from different parts of Manipur and beyond used to visit Tharon Village in large number to explore Tharon Cave and the scenic beauty of the area and it played a crucial role in boosting the local economy but things have changed following the onset of ethnic crisis in the State on May 3, 2023 and the number of tourists visiting the village is comparatively lower now.
Sharing the ordeals of the villagers with The Sangai Express, Guimachang Marenmai, a local, said that tourists used to frequent his village in the past to see Tharon Cave.
Saying that volunteers of the local youth club guide the tourists who visit the village, he added that the entry fee to explore Tharon Cave is  Rs 50 per person.
He continued that the waterfall (entry fee Rs 20 per person) at the  village is also popular among the tourists.
Further stating that there are eco huts at the village, Guimachang maintained that the price to book the eco hut is Rs 1,000 (per day).
Camping facility is also given to the travellers and its fee is Rs 300 per night, he said.
Stating that the villagers used to earn some money by selling seasonal fruits and vegetables to  the travellers, he added that the number of travellers visiting the village, however, has decreased considerably due to the crisis engulfing Manipur.
He said that poor road infrastructure is another problem which is making the lives of Tharon Village difficult.
Saying that going to Tamenglong District Headquarters takes about 3 hours, he maintained that the road stretch connecting Tharon and Tamenglong District Headquarters has been in a pathetic condition for a long time.
He said that tourists used to reach Tharon Village after taking an arduous journey even before the outbreak of the ethnic conflict in Manipur.
It is only 4x4 pickup vehicles which are providing passenger service  along Tharaon-Tamenglong stretch and the fare is Rs 170 per person, Guimachang continued and  added villagers have been facing all these problems for years.
He also said that Tamenglong District Headquarters is the place where they have been selling their produce.
Continuing that construction of one Primary Health Centre at his village is completed but the same hasn't been  inaugurated as of yet, he said that people of the village mostly go to Tamenglong District Hospital when they need medical attention.
He also said that the village doesn't even get mobile network properly and the power supply is inconsistent.
Saying that Tharon Village is lacking in many aspects, Guimachang appealed to the Government to address their grievances and also repair the road stretch connecting Tamenglong District Headquarters and Tharon Village so that more tourists can visit the village.