Running with blessings of ruling party leaders? Silent MLA and administration spark public outrage
SARIMUL LASKAR, SILCHAR:-The condition of National Highway 6 (NH-6) in Katigorah area of Cachar district has become extremely deplorable. Due to the rampant activities of the illegal limestone syndicate and the unchecked movement of overloaded trucks, the highway has turned into a death trap. Conscious citizens allege that this syndicate is running its ‘empire’ with the blessings of several influential leaders of the ruling party.
According to local residents, hundreds of heavily loaded limestone trucks coming from Meghalaya pass through this road every day. The weight of each truck far exceeds the legal limit. As a result, large potholes and waist-deep craters have formed in various sections of the road. The condition is particularly horrific in the Gumra-Digar Khal area.
Daily commuting has now become a nightmare for common people. School-going students, office employees, and patients heading to hospitals are all victims of this suffering. The fear of accidents looms large at all times. Multiple fatal accidents have also been reported, according to local sources.
Conscious citizens are raising questions — when ruling party leaders deliver speeches on various development projects, why do they remain silent on the issue of this illegal limestone syndicate? The role of the local MLA is also under scrutiny. The administration’s silence has further intensified public anger.
Conscious sections claim that the syndicate is operating under the patronage of some influential ruling party leaders. Allegations have also surfaced regarding regular ‘extortion’ from truck drivers. Yet, no effective action is being taken by the administration.
A local businessman, wishing to remain anonymous, said, “They talk about development, but our roads are being destroyed. Every day the pressure of heavy trucks is breaking down the highway. If the administration does not wake up, we will have no option but to come out on the streets in protest.”
Locals have demanded strict action to stop illegal limestone transportation, regular checking and fining of overloaded trucks, immediate road repair work, and a thorough investigation against influential persons linked with the syndicate.
The concerned authorities are expected to take swift action after this report. Breaking the administration’s silence to protect the public’s right to safe commuting is now a demand of the time.
