Youth Federation presses for mega block after one month

Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Sept 26: After mega block of 6 months on Silchar-Lumding MG route for its conversion in BG, the railway authorities have now decided to go for mega block on Karimganj-Agartala MG. However, the mega block on Silchar-Lumding route even after conversion into BG and a lapse of 12 months is yet to be lifted totally. It is true that goods trains have been moving since last April carrying essential food items as well as coal.

  As already pointed out the worst shape of tiol highways and roads which are becoming unworthy for driving of vehicles with each day passing, the plight of people in general can well be imagined than described. Barak Valley has been hit by protest demonstrations, blockades and bandhs over the issue of the conditions of highways and roads with no sign of any move by the state government or its PWD (R) for repair and improvement.

  Apprehending such a situation in the district of Karimganj with impact on Hailakandi district, voices of concern are being expressed by different organizations and demand that the mega block on Karimganj-Agartala MG route for BG conversion should be taken back by a month. During this period, the state PWD (R) should take up repair work of the NH 6 from the border district headquarters to Churaibari, the entry point of Tripura.

  On the forefront has come Minority Student Youth Front (MSYF) with the caution if the mega block is to be made effective, it has to be started only after ensuring that the roads and highways in question are made motorable. It has drawn the attention of the Railway Ministry in New Delhi in a memorandum which describes how Karimganj district has been totally delinked from the rest of the country. It needs no repetition how the Jowai-Badarpur-Karimganj-Agartala NH has turned into a virtual death-trap.

  Though the N F Railway, according to MSYF, has decided to go for mega block from October 1, why it should be advanced by a week? The only means of communication left for the people of the district and other parts of the valley is Karimganj-Agartala passenger train. The mega block will only increase their woes and distress. The Federation thinks it will not be wise for the railways to go for mega block delaying it for another one month.

  This will in no way affect the work on BG conversion. The Federation impresses upon the MP, three parliamentary secretaries and one minister of Karimganj district to take up the matter with the general mager of N F Railway so that the train services on the route are continued. The district administration is well aware of the conditions of surface communications of the area and the sufferings of the people. The Deputy Commissioner of Karimganj, the Federation pleads, should also discuss with the N F Railway authorities.

  The Federation is surprised at the total indifference of the people’s representatives to the problem and expresses its hope and confidence if all the two MPs and 15 MLAs jointly move for delaying the mega block, it will definitely yield positive result. The Prime Minister of India has also been posted with the development through another memorandum, pointed out general secretary Tahirul Islam.

  Tahirul has taken a dig at the people’s representatives for ignoring their basic and fundamental obligation towards the masses. The Federation will therefore watch how the MP and parliamentary secretaries and the minister react to the people’s demand articulated by it. If the mega block is not delayed by a month and simultaneously the roads and highways are not repaired, the Federation warns it will go to the extreme for a prolong agitation.