BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 3rd April 2025: Residents of Pancharatan Village in Gandacherra took to the streets this morning, blocking roads at two key locations to protest against unpaid wages, lack of proper roads and a severe drinking water crisis. The demonstration caused a standstill, leaving numerous vehicles and daily commuters stranded for hours sparking widespread inconvenience.
The protesters primarily daily wage earners alleged that they had not been paid their wages for the past three months despite repeated complaints to the local Panchayat. Speaking to reporters, one of the workers Ratan Debbarma expressed his frustration: “We have not received our hard-earned wages for three months. We approached the Panchayat multiple times, but no action has been taken. How long can we survive like this?”
Apart from the issue of unpaid wages, locals also voiced their grievances about deteriorating infrastructure and lack of access to clean drinking water in the area. Another protester Sima Tripura added, “There is no proper drinking water supply here. Our children and elderly are suffering. This has been a long-standing issue, but nobody listens to us. We were left with no choice but to block the roads today.”
The blockade disrupted traffic, leaving many commuters, including schoolchildren and officegoers, stranded. A local driver stuck in the jam remarked, “This is an unfortunate situation. While I understand their concerns, such blockades paralyze daily life for everyone.”
Upon receiving information about the protest, senior officials from the Panchayat, including the Block Development Officer, arrived at the scene to pacify the agitated crowd. In a conciliatory move, the officials assured the protesters that their issues would be addressed promptly. “We understand your distress and are committed to resolving the matter of unpaid wages at the earliest. Additionally, steps will be taken to address the water supply issue,” a Panchayat official was quoted as saying.
Following this assurance, the protesters agreed to withdraw the blockade, bringing the situation under control by midday. However, locals warned that if their demands were not fulfilled within a stipulated timeframe, they would resort to more stringent measures.
