Response to deprivation, vote boycott decision of Reang community

Agartala, Apr 23, 2024, By Our Correspondent

Agartala: April 23: The Reang community residing in Thungchrai ADC village, nestled amidst the remote hills of Shere Chandra Para, faces pressing issues as the second phase of voting approaches.

In this turbulent situation, the Reang community’s call for a boycott has disrupted the political landscape. The village, situated approximately twelve kilometers from Jayashree in Uttara District No. 58 Panisagar Assembly Constituency, has been home to the Riang people since India’s independence.

Water scarcity is a critical concern for the villagers. During the current monsoon season, their daily activities—ranging from drinking water to washing clothes and caring for the elderly—depend on water sourced from a distant two-kilometer mountain ridge. Unfortunately, this reliance on untreated water leads to water-borne diseases and malaria outbreaks each year. Moreover, the mountain ridge becomes even more vulnerable during dry seasons, forcing villagers to collect water from neighboring villages.

Adding to their woes, the sole access road to Thungchrai ADC village is in deplorable condition. Despite the presence of supply points for water delivery, clean drinking water remains elusive. With approximately ninety-nine percent of families living below the poverty line, the situation is dire.