From Meghalaya to Bangladesh: These border villagers are forced to cross over due to lack of infrastructure in state
By Our Reporter, TNT News | Shillong, June 19, 2018:
Lack of infrastructure has forced these people hailing from four different border villagers in East Jaintia Hills to travel to Bangladesh to buy and sell their goods.
Residents of four villages under East Jaintia Hills, district on Tuesday apprised the Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on the deplorable road condition linking the villages and the underdevelopment of villages bordering Bangladesh.
The four villages in East Jaintia Hills include Hingaria, Huroi, Lahalein and Lejri village.
Speaking to reporters, after meeting with the CM, a representative of the four villages, Kynjamon Amse said, "The total population of theses four villages is around 5000 people and because the road which is about 60 km linking the villages is in a deplorable condition, it takes about 4-5 hours to reach the market; however; its easier for the residents of these villages to cross over to Bangladesh for their daily needs as it takes only 10 minutes by walking."
He said the people, during time of emergencies, are finding it difficulty to reach the nearest health centre because of the road condition and hence have to cross over to Bangladesh to get proper treatment.
"Now that the border fencing has started in the border areas and it will become more problematic to the people and hence we want the government to start repairing this road," he said.
He informed that the Chief Minister has assured the delegation led by Kyrmen Shylla Minister of Social Welfare that the matter will be taken up with the concern department and necessary action will be taken.
He further informed that the road issue in particular has remained unresolved for many years.
"There is a project called Rymbai-Borkhat-Jalalpur road project by the North Eastern Council worth R. 97 crore which has been pending till date since the year 2011," he said.
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