Deplorable condition of NH 44
SHILLONG: Several Jaintia Hills based pressure groups have called a 24-hour bandh in East Jaintia Hills district from 5 am on April 16 protesting the State Government’s failure to meet their long pending demand of repairing the National Highway 44.
In a press release issued here on Sunday, AJYWO chief MH Dkhar stated that the decision to call the bandh was taken during a public meeting in Khliehriat on April 5.
“During the public meeting people decided to call the bandh in East Jaintia Hills district taking note of the negligence of the Government as far as repairing the dilapidated road (NH-44) from Soomer (WJHD) to Malidor (EJHD) is concerned. The dilapidated road has put commuters in grave trouble,” Dkhar stated.
The bandh is supported by the KSU-Jaintia Hills District unit, AJYWO central body, East Jaintia zone of the HNYF, FKJGP-Khliehriat circle apart from the traditional heads.
The bandh is likely to affect traffic flow to other Northeastern states as well.
With the fast approaching rainy season, the condition of the already deplorable road is certain to worsen further posing risks and inconveniences to the commuters travelling along the route.
“We are tired of the unfulfilled promises of the NHAI and the Government of Meghalaya. It is the adamant attitude of these concerned authorities that has forced the public of EJHD to resort to this kind of agitation,” the AJYWO statement said adding that the NH-44 is the lifeline of not only the people of East Jaintia Hills District but also of others from the Northeastern states of the country and likewise, people should extend full support to the bandh called for a genuine cause so as to make it a success.
“We have had several meetings with the government and subsequently promises were made on the repair of the said road. But till date not even one promise has materialised. Therefore, we are left with no other option but to agitate,” general secretary of the KSU’s Jaintia Hills District Unite said.
Niangti added that the concerned NGOs would not be responsible for any untoward incident that may be ‘masterminded by opportunists’ during the bandh hours.