Assam: Protest erupts in Margherita against BJP over failure to construct bridge

Margherita town witnessed slogans echoing the sentiment of "No Bridge, No Vote" on November 23. The demonstration was orchestrated by the Satra Mukti Sangram Samity, an umbrella organization encompassing the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), Tirap Jagun Regional Committee, along with the active participation of local residents from Jagun and Tirap areas. The protest occurred at North Margherita Rangamancha, denouncing the BJP-led Assam government's failure to construct the Jagun Kothasema Bordumsa connectivity bridge.

Rahul Chetry, the General Secretary of the Satra Mukti Sangram Samity Central Committee, expressed deep disappointment, stating, "It is very unfortunate that, after 75 years of our country's independence, the residents of Jagun area are still compelled to cross the Tirap river by boat to reach Bordumsa, Kothasema village, and other nearby areas." Chetry criticized the present government for what he referred to as a "step-motherly attitude" towards the people of this region.

Highlighting the unfulfilled promises made by local representatives, Chetry specifically called out Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma and Dibrugarh MP, as well as Union Minister, Rameswar Teli. According to Chetry, both Sharma and Teli have failed to deliver on assurances given before the Assembly and MP elections regarding the construction of the crucial Jagun-Kothasema-Bordumsa bridge.

Chetry accused Bhaskar Sharma of prioritizing interests other than those of the constituents, claiming, "Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma comes out during night hours at Margherita town only to give escort and safe passage to all illegally coal-loaded vehicles." Furthermore, Chetry criticized Sharma for not addressing the burning issues faced by the people of the 83rd number Margherita Constituency during Assam Legislative Assembly sessions.

Chetry, on behalf of the Satra Mukti Sangram Samity and local residents of the Jagun area, declared, "If, before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the Jagun-Kothasema-Bordumsa connectivity bridge is not constructed, we shall boycott the election and withhold our valuable votes."