Guwahati: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) staged a human-chain demonstration in Tinsukia on Friday, demanding immediate repair and reconstruction of damaged roads and measures to improve commuter safety.
The protest was part of a statewide human-chain programme called by AASU to draw attention to the deteriorating condition of roads across Assam. Protesters highlighted the difficulties faced by commuters on several stretches, particularly those where national highway construction is under way, with potholes and unsafe road conditions causing daily hardship.
AASU president Utpal Sarma said the government must take effective measures to prevent loss of life and hardship caused by unsafe roads.
“Several roads across Assam remain in a deplorable condition, particularly stretches where construction is being carried out in the name of national highways. The potholes and unsafe stretches are causing immense difficulties to people every day. At the same time, toll is being collected from road users, putting an additional burden on the public even though the safety of many roads has still not been ensured,” Sarma said.
The AASU leadership said recent road accidents, including the incident at Khetri, along with accidents reported from different parts of the state, had raised concerns over road safety and the condition of roads.
The protesters demanded immediate repair and reconstruction of damaged roads, including national highway stretches, and urged the authorities to ensure adequate safety arrangements at locations where construction work is continuing.
“No family should have to lose a loved one or suffer hardship because of an unsafe road. The government must take effective steps to ensure the safety of people’s lives,” Sarma said.
The students’ body urged the government to take concrete measures to improve road conditions and ensure the safety of commuters.