Joint Action Committee agitates over University road, DC loses temper
SILCHAR, August 21: The teachers, non–teaching staff and students of Assam University along with the residents of Irongmara and its adjoining areas under the banner of Joint Action Committee staged a massive protest demonstration in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner here today against the pathetic condition of the Silchar–Hailakandi road which has turned out to be a thoroughfare of craters and potholes. The aggrieved people raised slogans against the indifferent attitude of the district administration as well as the departments concerned, alleging that despite repeated representations to the authority, no action has so far been taken.
In response to the call of the protestors, Cachar Deputy Commissioner, Gokul Mohan Hazarika, came down from his office to discuss the issue with them at the protest site. He told them that the PWD is in the process of repairing road and it needed some time to complete the work. He at the same time added that although the estimate for the construction of the road was sent to the higher authority, but “no fund has so far allotted”. He pointed out the work has been started and is being done by the contractor concerned who agreed to “put his resources” at the initial stage.
On being asked about the time frame needed to complete the work, the Deputy Commissioner said that the repair work would be completed by next six months. But, he lost his control when the students in particular expressed their disappointment saying that they have been fed up with the ‘false and fake’ assurances of the administration about which they are no more convinced. Gokul Mohan Hazarika, who is otherwise known for his calm and composed nature, lost his temper and asked the protestors who mainly include students to “provide money for the construction of the dilapidated road”.
This “unexpected” statement of the Deputy Commissioner added fuel to the heat. The teachers, non teaching staff and students as well as the residents of the area condemned his remark in an identical manner, stating that “this attitude of the administration is quite unexpected, shocking and disgraceful.” At a moment the situation was turning to become volatile and the police administration seemed to be ready to react by declaring the assembly as ‘unlawful’.
The district administration has well apprehended that the situation might get volatile as it deployed good number of security personnel at the protest site. Superintendent of Police, Diganta Bora, along with Additional Superintendent of Police, the officer in–charge of Silchar Sadar Thana and other police officers were present to avoid any untoward situation.
Reacting to the “indifferent” attitude of the administration, Ratan Das, General Secretary of Assam University Students’ Council and one of the conveners of Joint Action Committee, said that the authorities should take up the repair of the road on a war footing, otherwise they would further intensify their movement. He added that they would hold a meeting tomorrow to chalk out the future course of action.
Condemning the role of the district and police administrations, Ratnadeep Deb, president of Assam University Research Scholars’ Association (AURSA) and a convener of Joint Action Committee, said that the details of the funds to be allotted and the scheme should be made public by the Deputy Commissioner within two days.
Source: The Sentinel 22.08.2013
