Waheh shnongs of 11 dorbars under Elaka Narpuh has given 15 days time for the government to repair and restore the national highway 6 in East Jaiñtia Hills or face closure of the road.
The waheh shnongs of Ratacherra, Dona Umbluh, Dona Skul, Umkiang, Lumphyllut, Lumsoski, Pyrtakuna, Borsara, Kuliang, Shymplong and Tongseng villages have all come together under the banner of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed on February 10, to make their demand heard.
The JAC leaders met with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong today in Shillong and expressed their anguish over the atrocious condition of the national highway due to under maintenance by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and said they will be compelled to resort to road blockade if nothing moves ahead.
“The condition of the road is bad that it is shameful that it is called a National Highway and this stretch of the road has brought shame to our state before our friends in the neighbouring state who have also raised concern about the pathetic condition of the road which has caused serious problem and inconvenience to the general public,” the JAC said.
Stating that the NHAI seems to lack interest and commitment despite repeated requests and reminders by the village and general public, who are facing numerous problems like frequent breakdown of vehicles and daily traffic jams that last for more than five to six hours.
“The government should take the responsibility to ensure that NHAI repair and rehabilitate immediately, because the people and the village dorbar have pledged to close the national highway if there is any delay to immediately undertake repair,” the waheh shnongs said.
JAC secretary and waheh shnong of Pyrtakuna, Love You Bareh said that they were informed by the Deputy Chief Minister that work orders have been issued for proper rehabilitation of the road and work should commence immediately.
Meanwhile, the committee also discussed about illegal entry of Bangladeshis and upgradation of Umkiang PHC to a CHC with the Deputy Chief Minister.
They were informed that work for the land custom station in Elaka Narpuh has received approval from the centre.
