Sribhumi, May 28: A unique protest was witnessed in Sribhumi on May 28 as local youths launched a public donation drive to repair a damaged stretch of National Highway that residents claim has remained neglected for a long time.
According to local residents, several roads in the district, including portions of the National Highway, have been in poor condition for months, causing major inconvenience to commuters and disrupting daily transportation. Residents alleged that despite repeated complaints, no significant repair work had been carried out by the authorities.
In protest against the alleged inaction, a group of youths spread cloths along the roadside and began collecting donations from the public to arrange funds for repairing the damaged highway stretch. The initiative reportedly received support from people belonging to different communities in the area.
Following Eid-ul-Zoha prayers, both Hindu and Muslim residents participated in the campaign and contributed money towards the proposed repair work. The youths stated that they collected a total of Rs 8,250 during the drive and that the amount would be utilised for repairing the road.
The protesters alleged that despite the presence of elected representatives, including MLAs and an MP from the district, along with administrative officials such as the District Magistrate, no effective steps had been taken to improve the deteriorating road conditions.
The youths also informed officials of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, including Zakaria Ahmed, Panna Kripanath and Mallah, regarding the issue. According to the protesters, a written note was also forwarded to the local MLA, MP and divisional officer stating that money had been collected from the public for repair of the national road.
The protest has drawn local attention for its unconventional approach and for highlighting growing public dissatisfaction over infrastructure conditions in the district.
