HAFLONG, June 25 - In order to register their protest against the indifferent attitude of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the local people of Harangajao in Dima Hasao district blocked NH-54 E on Monday from 5:00 am.
However, the road blockade was lifted after receiving an 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 a deplorable state due to the apathy of successive governments and NHAI.
In support of the protest, people of Harangajao and its adjoining areas observed market bandh for 24 hours.
The blockade disrupted surface communication between Haflong-Silchar for several hours.
It may be mentioned here that Jatinga-Harangajao portion of NH 54E has been in a deplorable condition since a long time and people of Harangajao in particular are the worst sufferers.
Earlier too, the aggrieved people had organised rallies and processions to draw the attention of the concerned authorities, though their efforts went in vain as the authority concerned was totally unmoved by the collective plight of the haggard tax-payers.
Significantly, though the agitationists withdrew their blockade by respecting the administration�s promise to address their grievances, but they warned that if the NHAI did not heed to their demands, then they would be bound to take the path of vigorous agitation in the future for which the government as well as the NHAI would be responsible.
The peeved villagers also added that Silchar-based construction company Laksmi Motor should not be awarded the work order as according to the villagers Laksmi Motor was earlier awarded the contract for repair work in 2017 at a cost of Rs 1.92 crore, but it implemented substandard work, following which the mended road was washed away on May 5, 2018, besides damaging property of Dolaichunga village worth Rs 7 lakh.
The villagers had earlier demanded adequate compensation from Laksmi Motors, which was tactfully ignored.
The villagers also submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Dima Hasao detailing their grievances about the deplorable condition of NH 54E East-West Corridor which connects Harangajao to the district headquarter Haflong and Cachar district as well.
