By TC News Desk
Agartala, 27th July 2024: In a significant protest ahead of the upcoming three-tier panchayat elections, residents from six villages have once again blocked the Assam-Agartala National Highway No. 8, demanding immediate repairs. The blockade, which began at 11 AM on Saturday, has brought traffic to a standstill in the Kherengjuri area.
The protestors highlighted the deplorable condition of a 13 km stretch of the highway, from Churaibari Sealtex to Nowagang. They reported that the road has been neglected for the past one and a half to two years, leading to severe deterioration. The daily movement of hundreds of lorries has exacerbated the situation, causing large potholes that pose a danger to both small and large vehicles. Local residents, including students and market-goers, are also suffering due to the poor road conditions.
Adding to the urgency of their demands, the protestors recounted a tragic incident from a few days ago. A pregnant woman, en route to Shanichhara Hospital, died before reaching the hospital due to the poor condition of the road. This incident has intensified the villagers’ resolve to demand immediate action.
The villagers have blocked the highway several times in the past to demand repairs. However, the North district administration’s temporary solution of filling the potholes with bricks has proven ineffective. The bricks quickly crumble under the weight of heavy lorries, returning the road to its dilapidated state.
The current blockade involves residents from Kherengjuri, Balichra, Chandpur, Lakshi Nagar, North Phulbari, Dakshin Phulbari, and Churaibari. They have vowed to continue the blockade until their demands are met. The protestors insist that the potholes and craters on the highway be filled with stones and properly repaired to make the road suitable for traffic.
In response to the blockade, high-ranking officials from the administration have rushed to the scene to negotiate with the protestors. The outcome of these discussions remains to be seen, but the villagers are adamant that they will not lift the blockade until substantial repairs are made.
The ongoing protest highlights the critical need for infrastructure development and maintenance in the region, especially as the state prepares for the panchayat elections. The villagers’ demands underscore the broader issues of governance and accountability that are likely to be central themes in the upcoming elections.
