By TC News Desk
Agartala, 24th October 2024: An angry crowd blocked the Chief Minister’s convoy on the Assam-Agartala National Highway in front of Elephant Park in the 36 Mile area under Mungiakami block on Thursday morning. The incident took place around 6 am, as residents from various villages in the 36 Mile area protested against a month-long lack of drinking water.
It is reported that the deep tube well on the side of the road has been out of order for a long time, despite being supposed to supply water twice a day. The residents have been suffering from a severe water shortage, decided to take action by blocking the highway.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer Pannalal Sen, Mungiakami Police Station OC Gautam Debbarma, Teliamura Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s Office DCM and other officials rushed to the scene upon receiving the news. The blockade caused significant traffic disruption, with many cars, including cargo and passenger vehicles, stuck on the side of the road.
The Chief Minister’s convoy also came under the wrath of the crowd, although the Chief Minister was not inside the car, having left by rail to attend a function in Ambasa. Despite this, the angry mob expressed their frustration by protesting around the empty car. At one point, the convoy was forced to reverse, and the vehicles attempted to move through heavy police security. A Janjati woman even hit the Chief Minister’s car with her hand.
After a long discussion, the local residents agreed to withdraw the road blockade after about five hours, following assurances from the administration. “They blocked the road demanding roads, drinking water, and electricity,” said Sub-Divisional Police Officer Pannalal Sen. “We assured them that the broken deep tube well in the area would be fixed within a few hours, the road in their village would be renovated, and initiatives would be taken to solve the electricity problem,” he added.
The residents finally dispersed, hoping that the administration would fulfill its promises and address their grievances promptly.
