HAILAKANDI, March 14 � Silchar�s Southern North East Chamber of Commerce has demanded the inclusion of the State in Indo-Bangladesh transit route.
In a memorandum submitted to the Governor, Janaki Ballav Patnaik during his Silchar visit, the Chamber of Commerce has urged him to include Karimganj international border in the transit route. The memo mentioned that the Government of Tripura and Meghalaya have already sent proposal to the External Ministry for the inclusion of both the States. It also expressed concern for not taking any proposal with the Central Government regarding the inclusion of Assam, as the State shares huge border with Bangladesh.
Explaining the importance of their demand in regard to the inclusion of Assam, the memo mentioned that the communication between Assam and other parts of the country will be easier if their demand is materialised. It may be mentioned that there is an hundred years old abandoned rail station in Latu-Sabaspur in Indo-Bangla border of Karimganj district under Assam-Bengal Railways and it was a part of Sealdah-Dibrugarh rail route. Besides Karimganj-Suterkandi-Sylhet road was a part of Assam Trunk Road before independence. The memo demanded the rejuvenation of both the rail and road in order to strengthen the international trade and commerce in the area. The memo urged the Governor to take up the issue with the External ministry.
The memo also mentioned that the poor infrastructure in Silchar�s Kumbhirgram airport has seriously hampered the passengers. It demanded the modernisation of the airport immediately including the night landing facilities. The number of passengers will increase remarkably if the airport is equipped with the night landing facilities. They urged the Governor to intervene into the matter immediately.
