JAC threatens indefinite road blockade over poor condition of National Highway 6 in East Jaintia Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 15, 2024

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) has threatened to call for an indefinite road blockade in protest over the non-repair of National Highway 6 along the East Jaintia Hills District, starting from June 19.

The villages under the JAC include Ratacherra, Dona Umbluh, Dona Skul, Umkiang, Lumphyllut, Lumsoski, Pyrtakuna, Borsara, Kuliang, Shymplong and Tongseng.

The decision was taken at a meeting held on Saturday in Umkiang village.

JAC Chairman Lasting Pala said, “The condition of the NH-6 road from Tongseng to Malidor is very bad and it is no longer a highway as water flows on the surface of the road.”

He said that over the last 8 days, vehicles have been stranded in traffic jams due to the poor road conditions.

“During the road blockade, we will not allow any vehicles to move except ambulances, the press (electronic and print) and armed forces,” JAC Chairman said.

Lasting Pala urges all the public who commute via NH6 and residents along the Narpuh Elaka to join hands in protest against the government and NHAI for not repairing the roads.

“The condition of the road is very bad, we are very troubled, and we have been stuck in the traffic jam for 4 days,” the trucker said and added, “Local residents face more problems than the drivers, especially patients who are stuck in traffic jams for many hours and cannot reach the hospital in time. The government must repair the road; at least for a week, vehicles should stop plying.”

The National Highway 6 is one of the major highways in the northeastern region, connecting parts of Assam (Barak Valley), Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and part of Manipur.

It may be mentioned that on February 16, the JAC submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya regarding the pathetic condition of the road, which has led to frequent vehicle breakdowns and daily traffic jams. Despite repeated requests and warnings, the government’s inaction has compelled the JAC to resort to an indefinite road blockade to demand urgent repairs.

The deplorable state of the road has significantly impacted the daily lives of the residents and commuters. Vehicles, including essential services, have been severely affected, causing a ripple effect on the local economy and healthcare.

Commence repair of NH-6 in East Jaintia Hills within 15 days or face road blockade: JAC