by Anup Biswas

Haflong  : To register their protest against the indifferent attitude of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) the People of  Harangajao in Dima Hasao district on Monday blocked NH-54 E from   5:00 AM. However the blockade was lifted after receiving assurance from the district administration at 1:30 pm.

 

The blockade was called demanding early completion and proper repair-maintenance of National Highway 54 (E) which is now in deplorable state due to the apathy of government and NHAI.

In support of the protest, people of  Harangajao and it adjoining areas observed market bandh for 24 hours.

 

The blockade has disrupted the road communication in between Haflong-Silchar for hours.

Mention may made here that Jatinga-Harangajao portion of NH 54E has been in a deplorable condition for long time and people of Harangajao in particular are the worst sufferer.

Earlier also they have organised rally and procession to draw the attention of the concerned authorities but was in vain to make the authority to realize the gravity of the situation.

This time though they have withdrawn their agitation respecting the administration but also warned if the NHAI does not listen their demand then they would be bound to take the path of vigorous agitation in future for which the government as well as the NHAI would be held responsible.

 

The villagers also added that Silchar based construction company Laksmi Motor should not be awarded the work as according to the villagers Laksmi Motor was earlier awarded repair work in 2017 at cost of 1.92 crores but had done substandard work, as result the mended road was washed away on 5th May 2018 also damaging properties of villagers of Dolaichunga at tune of 7 lakhs. The villagers had earlier demanded compensation from Laksmi Motors but was ignored.

The villagers also submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Dima Hasao detailing their grievances about the deplorable condition of NH 54 E East-west corridor which connect Harangajao  to the district headquarter Haflong and Cachar District as well.