Local stages protest road blockade

Agartala, Nov 15, 2024, By Our Correspondent

Agartala: Nov 15: The government has initiated plans to construct a bypass road through the Border Golchakkar area of the capital, which involves the eviction of over a hundred families living in the area. In protest of the eviction, locals staged a road blockade on Friday afternoon. They claim that they have been living on government land for 60 to 70 years and were recently informed that they must vacate the land. While the government has promised financial compensation, the residents argue that the amount is insufficient for them to relocate.

Many of the affected individuals are daily wage earners, including rickshaw pullers, laborers, and domestic workers, and they lack the financial means to buy new land or even afford rental accommodation. Despite informing local authorities—including the Chief Minister, MLA, Councilor, and District Magistrate—no adequate measures have been taken to support them, according to the protesters. With bulldozers already demolishing their homes, they feel they have no place to go and are forced to take to the streets.

The residents also voiced their frustration with the government's broken promises related to the Light House project. Before its inauguration, they were assured that they would receive a housing opportunity if they paid ₹5000 per month. However, the government later sold the flats to wealthier individuals for ₹15-16 lakh, leaving the poorer families without a solution. The protesters criticized the government for its disregard of their plight, accusing it of neglecting the poor while favoring the rich.

The protesters expressed their anger, stating that they had supported the current government during elections, but now find themselves abandoned. With rising living costs and no compensation for their lost homes, they feel forced into homelessness. The police and TSR arrived at the scene and, after extended efforts, were able to restore order.