The Khasi Students Union (KSU), Narpuh circle has pinned the blame on the Border Security Force (BSF) for cracks in the structure of the Umpasu bridge in Sonapyrdi, on the Jowai-Ratacherra highway in East Jaiñtia Hills district.
Cracks have been found at the bottom of a “prestressed girder” during testing of the bridge prompting the Additional District Magistrate to promulgate section 144 CrPC banning overloaded trucks and multi-axle vehicles and allowing only one loaded vehicle to cross the bridge at a speed limit of 20kmph at a time.
“In fact the bridge was constructed well and the BSF is responsible for the cracks for setting up a checkpoint there. During checks about five to six goods laden trucks are halted on the bridge,” KSU circle president, KS Suchiang stated.
The KSU said that the BSF should be stationed along the border areas and said the union had earlier written to the district administration on the issue. “The BSF is a stumbling block to the border residents because their intensive checks even on essential commodities cause inconveniences,” he claimed, adding, “Securing the borders from illegal influx is important.”
He further urged the government and the National Highway Authority to speed up construction/repair of the bridge, which is an important link between the states of Assam, Manipur, Tripura and Mizoram.
Meanwhile, the East Jaiñtia National Council (EJNC) has also urged the district administration to ban overloaded trucks to ply through the bridge.
Following a spot inspection yesterday, president of the organisation, Sambormi Lyngdoh said that they would appeal the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of PWD, Prestone Tynsong to address the issue and work on speedy repair of the bridge.
