Roaring Sulai Business By Eateries Near Railway Lines

GUWAHATI: Many areas near railway lines, including railway gates, in Guwahati, are dotted with eateries that do a roaring business of sulai. It seems that the recent tragedy that struck Golaghat and Jorhat districts has not taught them any lesson.

Besides the slum areas near the Guwahati Railway Station, railway gate number 2, 3, 4 and 5 at Lakhtokia and 6 and 7 at Gandhi Basti are the areas where sulai is sold openly in eateries. Apart from sulai, these slum areas also pose a serious threat to society as drugs are also sold there. People, including children and women, inhaling drugs is a common scene there. Such areas in the city are also infamous for adding to the number of crimes in Guwahati.

Talking to this reporter, Nekib Imam Saikia, the chief convener of the Guwahati Samaj Kalyan Committee, said: “We did protest against such illegal activities in these areas, but to no avail. We’ve submitted memoranda to the Deputy Commissioner, the City Police, the GRP and the RPF, but to little avail. The administration did conduct eviction drives in 2016-17 in these areas. From time to time, the railway authorities also carry out eviction drives. However, such illegal dens spring out again after a few days or months.”

Saikia said: “Sulai is still being transported by trains. We appeal to all authorities concerned to root out the menace from these areas before it becomes impossible to nip the antisocial elements.”

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