Our Bureau
SHILLONG/JOWAI, Sep 14: The Jaintia Student Movement (JSM) has addressed a letter to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who also is the Nartiang MLA, bringing to light a range of issues, especially the dismal condition of National Highway-06, commonly known as the NH-6.
In the letter, JSM president Leningstar Rymbai highlighted the deplorable state of the road, stretching from Mookyndur village under Nartiang Assembly Constituency to Ratacherra under Sutnga-Saipung Constituency. This stretch of NH-6 serves as a crucial link between the state and neighbouring regions like Assam, Tripura, and Mizoram, as per Rymbai, and should be urgently repaired to alleviate the hardships faced by commuters.
Furthermore, in response to the Assam government’s attempt to establish a police outpost in Khatkasla village, the JSM called for the immediate setting up of a police outpost in Psiar village, situated on the route to Sahsniang village.
The JSM also emphasised the need for three proposed residential schools in West Jaintia Hills, including the Pine Mount International School in Wahiajer village. Despite the government’s acquisition of the land in 2012, these schools are yet to become operational, the letter stated.
Additionally, the JSM urged the Deputy Chief Minister to consider the establishment of an engineering college in Thadmuthlong and a Science college in Mustem village. They emphasised the importance of a job coaching centre, especially given the underperformance of youth from the Jaintia Hills region in civil service examinations and other competitive exams conducted by UPSC, SSC, MPSC as well as bank examinations.
The JSM’s appeals also included the establishment of a government college in East Jaintia Hills.
It nonetheless also expressed gratitude to the Meghalaya government for allotting the People’s College Grant-in-Aids scheme to four colleges in Jaintia Hills, viz., Eastern Jaintia College, Nongtalang College, Shangpung College, and Thomas Jones College, Jowai.
Concern over NH6 condition grows
Meanwhile, the All Jaintia Youth Welfare Organisation, East Jaintia Zone, has extended its full support to Synjuk Waheh Shnong, East Jaintia Hills District, KSU and JSM on the ultimatum given to NHAI for immediate repair of NH-6.
Stating that the condition of the said national highway is as bad as internal roads in villages, the organization has urged the government and NHAI to take speedy action on the matter.
Jowai Bypass
The JSM also sent a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills seeking the intervention of the Centre for the repair of intermediary Jowai Bypass, which includes metalling and black-topping work from Myntdu bridge on NH-44 Riatmulein till JBRC near petrol pump, covering a length of 3.27 km under South Division, Jowai.
Due to the deplorable condition of the said Bypass road, heavy traffic is witnessed throughout Jowai town, especially during the peak hours of school and office timing, which affects students as well as government servants besides the general public from Jowai and its adjoining villages, the JSM said in its letter.
It pointed out that the Jowai Bypass is crucial because it serves the purpose of all daily commuters including those travelling to Shillong and other parts of Jaintia Hills.