Shillong, Oct 28: The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), Garo Hills Zone, has expressed strong resentment over the inordinate delay in construction of National Highway 62 (217) from Dalu to Baghmara.
In a statement, FKJGP President Pritam Arengh said not a single work has started on the stretch, which is considered the lifeline of South Garo Hills, despite it being crucial for business, economy, healthcare and daily life.
He said NGOs and civil societies in Baghmara have long demanded the road through night blockades, rallies and multiple memorandums to NHIDCL and State PWD, but received no response.
With continued apathy, NGOs have decided to hold a protest from October 28.
FKJGP urged the Meghalaya Government, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHIDCL and PWD to complete DPR, forest and environmental clearances and float tenders on a war footing and start physical work without further delay.
It also sought personal intervention of the Chief Minister, stating good road connectivity is not a luxury but a basic constitutional right vital for peace, development and national security in the remote border district.
Meanwhile, Additional District Magistrate PR Marak issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, after receiving intimation about the planned protest.
The administration said NH-62 connects Baghmara to Tura, Shillong and the rest of the state and any blockade would cause serious inconvenience, disrupting essential services, emergency vehicles and supply of commodities.
The order bans assembly of five or more persons, blocking of NH-62 or any public road, carrying lathis, stones or lethal weapons, and use of loudspeakers and sloganeering that may breach peace.
Emergency services including ambulances, fire, security forces, magistrates and government servants on duty are exempted. Violation will attract punishment under Section 223 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
