Assam State Transport Corporation service in Haflong in doldrums

A Correspondent

Haflong, July 18: The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) service in Haflong, the only direct means of communication to the State capital for the people of Dima Hasao, is in doldrums due to the alleged indifferent attitude of the higher officials, alleged the conscious citizens of Haflong. There were at least 10 bus services from Haflong till 1995 when the condition of the road was not good. But gradually the number of services decreased to two only due to the indifferent attitude of the ASTC officials, locals alleged.

People have always preferred ASTC bus service for its reliability, security and safety but the discriminating attitude of the authority concerned has deprived people of proper service. Repeated pleas for introduction of new bus services and also to replace the old buses have gone in vain. The people of Dima Hasao have to travel to the State capital at a distance of 320 km by the bus meant for the rural service. The ASTC bus service from Guwahati is suddenly suspended even after issuing journey tickets for want of fuel and sometimes the passengers are also asked to bear the fuel cost. Deepok Bhuyan, Assistant Superintendent, Haflong, admitted that the buses plying between Guwahati-Haflong and Diphu-Haflong were very old and had to be replaced by new buses or the people of Dima Hasao would continue to suffer.