Arunachal student bodies issue 15-day ultimatum over crumbling strategic border road

Two prominent student organisations in Arunachal Pradesh have served a 15-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding immediate restoration of the Akajan–Likabali–Bame (ALB) Road, alleging prolonged neglect of the strategic route linking several border districts.

 

The Basar Area Students Union (BASU) and Jigo Yegi Student Union, under a Joint Action Committee (JAC), submitted a representation to the Deputy Commissioners of Lower Siang and Leparada districts, urging urgent intervention to repair the deteriorating road.

 

The approximately 100-km Akajan–Likabali–Bame Road serves as a crucial lifeline for Lower Siang, Leparada, West Siang, Shi Yomi and Upper Subansiri districts, besides providing connectivity to the international border regions of Mechuka and Tuting.

 

Speaking to India Today NE, Nyakar Taipodia, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee, alleged that despite repeated assurances since Independence, the road has never been developed into an all-weather route.

 

"Instead of improving, the road condition has continued to worsen every year. It is not only causing immense hardship to the public but also poses a serious national security concern, as the Likabali Army base depends on this road for movement of defence personnel and military equipment," he said.

 

Giken Riba, President of BASU and Vice-Chairman of the Joint Action Committee, criticised elected representatives for allegedly shifting responsibility between agencies instead of ensuring timely completion of the project.

 

"Our leaders have remained silent while passing the responsibility between NHIDCL and GREF. This strategic road has suffered due to lack of coordination and accountability," he alleged.

 

The student leaders pointed out that the Akajan–Likabali–Bame Road was recently declared a strategic road project by the Central Government, following which there have been demands to transfer its execution to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for faster implementation.

 

The road is considered a vital economic and defence corridor, directly impacting connectivity, transportation of essential supplies, and military logistics across several frontier districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

 

Warning of intensified democratic protests, the Joint Action Committee said if concrete steps are not initiated within 15 days, it would launch a larger public agitation demanding immediate reconstruction and upgrading of the strategic border road.