Maksam Tayeng

 

PASIGHAT, Dec 6: The 12 hours bandh called by Indian National Congress Siang District Unit with the support of All Farmers Association and business establishments of Siang District against the authority concerns’ inordinate delay in restoration of National Highway-13 (Pasighat-Pangin Road) breached point at Lelek area near Rottung village, passed off peacefully today.

“The bandh was effective and successful in entire Siang District baring Boleng town, the HQ of Siang District where police detained 4 persons and forced the shops and offices to open," informed Tagum Sitang, District President and Napi Darang, Spokesperson, INC Siang Unit. 

The bandh was basically for the whole of Siang District and its adjoining districts like West Siang and Shi-Yomi including Upper Siang District whose people also pass through this road and the non-restoration of the NH-13 has affected all of us, they added. 

While Takeng Taggu, President, INC Boleng Block appealed both MPs of the state Tapir Gao and Kiren Rijiju to intervene for sanctioning of funds for the early and time bound restoration of the snapped portion of NH-13 as Siang district falls under both eastern and western parliamentary constituency.

The NH-13 at Lelek near Rottung was snapped due to heavy landslide on 27th June earlier this year but despite the passing of full 7 months the breached point hasn’t been restored yet.

The alternative bypass road is not properly motorable for heavy and loaded vehicles due to its elevation. The inordinate delay in restoration of road has resulted in prices of essential commodities shooting as goods truck takes the long road via Pasighat-Mariyang, Yingkiong”, said former minister Tapang Taloh.

Taloh appealed to the government and local authorities to restore the breached point of NH-13 within one month failing which he further appealed to them to hand over the construction/restoration of the same to him and his team and he assured to restore it within two months before the onset of next monsoon. 

Meanwhile, when asked about the delay in restoration of the breached point of NH-13, local MLA Ojing Tasing informed that the road will be restored on time. He told this scribe that he has recently visited New Delhi and met the ministry officials of MoRTH and the ground survey for restoration work will begin soon. “I have personally discussed the matter with DCC and BCC President, Tagum Sitang and Takeng Taggu and apprised them of the current situation of the road restoration programme and both were aware about my initiative, but they have called the bandh."

When asked, OC Boleng, Tabu Pajing said that the four persons were simply detained on preventive and precautionary measures. While, Atul Tayeng, Dy. Commissioner, Siang District said that the bandh passed off peacefully.