By TC News Desk
Agartala, 27th March 2025: The rehabilitated Reang refugees took to the streets on Thursday blocking the Amarpur-Gandacherra road near the West Kalajhari area in a desperate attempt to draw attention to the acute shortage of essential services. The move comes after enduring a prolonged water crisis, with no water supply provided in the last six months. In addition, they have reported suffering due to irregular electricity services, which they claim exist in “name only.” The protest caused severe traffic disruptions, leaving daily commuters stranded and inconvenienced.
Local sources said that the drinking water supply by tanker services was abruptly halted six months back. “There has been no effort to resume the water supply. Despite repeated appeals to the administration, our cries have fallen on deaf ears,” said a member of the Reang refugee community highlighting the prolonged negligence.
The situation with electricity is no better. Community members have reported low-voltage power whenever it is available, coupled with frequent and prolonged load-shedding. “The lights are only on for namesake. We spend most of the day without electricity, and it feels like no one in power cares about our plight,” lamented another resident.
Failing to bear these hardships, the refugees initiated a road blockade early this morning. They voiced their demand for an immediate restoration of water and electricity services, stating that their survival depends on urgent action. The blockade brought traffic along the busy Amarpur-Gandacherra route to a standstill, causing immense suffering to passengers and daily commuters. “We were stranded for hours in the sun. It’s incredibly frustrating, but their issues seem genuinely dire,” said one commuter caught in the traffic chaos.
Responding to the growing unrest, senior administrative officials rushed to the scene. After engaging in discussions with the protestors, the officials assured them that their grievances would be addressed promptly. “We have taken note of the critical issues raised by the Reang community. Steps are being taken to resolve the water and electricity problems at the earliest,” said one official on-site.
With this assurance, the protesters agreed to end the blockade, offering a temporary reprieve to the stranded passengers and commuters. However, the community has made it clear that their patience has limits. “We are hopeful but cautious. If promises are not met this time, we will have no choice but to protest again,” said one of the organizers of the demonstration.
