[Adv. Kerlang Ksoo, Dkhiah West, East Jaiñtia Hills District]
The stretch of National Highway 6 (NH-6) from Mawryngkneng to the Jaiñtia Hills region has long been a subject of public outrage and concern. The deplorable condition of this highway is not only an eyesore but a serious hazard to all who traverse it. Year after year, this vital artery deteriorates into a series of potholes and craters, making travel perilous and frustrating.
Every winter, a flurry of repair work begins, seemingly in response to public outcry. Yet, these repairs are superficial at best and by summer and monsoon, NH-6 is once again riddled with gaping holes. These seasonal fixes are more akin to temporary patches rather than long-term solutions, and they expose a troubling reality: NH-6 has become a cash cow for a select few, who profit from the endless cycle of repair and decay. These individuals, with their deep connections to those in power, have turned the highway’s dilapidation into a lucrative business, exploiting the public’s misery for personal gain.
The consequences of this neglect are dire. Traffic accidents are a daily occurrence in the Jaintia Hills region, often resulting in tragic loss of life and property. Drivers, in their desperate attempts to avoid the numerous potholes, are forced into dangerous maneuvers that frequently end in disaster. The government, meanwhile, is preoccupied with delimitation exercises and re-shuffling constituencies in preparation for upcoming District Council polls, seemingly oblivious to the suffering of its people.
The condition of NH-6, particularly the stretches towards Lumshnong, Umkiang and Ratacherra, is appalling. It is a glaring shame that the government has failed to uphold the fundamental right of its citizens to safe and reliable road connectivity. Commuters, school children, and pedestrians face daily hardships, navigating a highway that more closely resembles a war zone than a vital transportation route. Traffic jams and vehicle breakdowns are routine, further exacerbating the public’s suffering.
The question that looms large is whether the NPP-led government can continue to deceive and buy votes from a populace enduring such relentless hardship and pain. Will the people of Jaintia Hills continue to sell their freedom and rights in the face of blatant neglect and discrimination? Only time will tell whether this region will reclaim its glory or remain a victim of continued governmental apathy.
In conclusion, it is imperative that immediate and substantial action is taken to address the deplorable state of NH-6. The public has suffered long enough. It is time for the government to prioritize the fundamental rights of its citizens and ensure that NH-6 is transformed from a treacherous path into a safe and reliable highway. The people of Jaiñtia Hills deserve nothing less.