The National Highway 6 blockade called by the residents of East Jaintia Hills entered the third day today as talks between the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), a site engineer of NHAI with the Joint Action Committee failed.
The committee of locals of over eight villages are on an indefinite protest against the poor condition of the busiest highways that connect Assam, Mizoram and Tripura, that has not only become an eyesore but also a constant hazard for vehicles and pedestrians alike.
ADC, JU Kharpuri who reached the protest site at Umkiang held talks with NHAI site engineer, Saurav Kumar and raised concerns over the deplorable conditions of the road, with no signs of repair that has affected commuters, especially patients and women. She asked Kumar to ensure speedy repair of the road by filling up the potholes that pose dangers to the people.
The site engineer informed that repair works for 10 km from Lumshnong onwards have commenced. He said over 10 dumper trucks have been put into service to fill up the potholes.
Kumar said though the recent rainfall that triggered landslides has eroded the pothole work, repairs will be completed by three to four days.
Kharpuri while speaking to the leaders of the JAC said vehicular traffic was brought to a standstill and this has affected commuters from the neighbouring states.
Uncertain that the highway will be restored the JAC decided not to withdraw the blockade.
