Resentment and tension ran high, once again, at Chandra Halam Para under Panisagar sub-division in North Tripura over Railways’ decision to construct a barricade blocking a passage bisecting railway tracks in the area. Anger erupted on Thursday after railway workers reached the spot to construct walls on both sides of rail tracks. In protest against the initiative of the Indian Railways, villagers have decided to block the railway from Friday.
Notably, local villagers were demanding a level-crossing instead of a barricade so that villagers can use the passage.
“For safety and security of villagers, we are demanding a level crossing since 2008 at the contentious spot. The passage bisecting the rail track is important for the villagers especially school students as the alternative route to this passage is a time consuming and costly journey”, one of the agitators said.
On earlier occasions, Indian Railways made attempts to construct a barricade completely closing the passage – and every time villagers protested and prevented the workers. Later the Indian Railways agreed to construct a level-crossing at the disputed area lying between Pill 57/6-7, sources said.
As Indian Railways workers reached the spot, they faced stiff resistance and forced to return without doing the works.
According to sources, villagers observed railway workers at the spot today and as they started working, villagers burst into anger. But, maintained calm and the expression of anger was a peaceful protest. In view of mass protest, workers left the spot without starting works.
After facing the protest, Indian Railways informed the District Administration.
Meanwhile, disgusted villagers have decided to block the rail track from tomorrow – importantly, the villagers will start construction of a level crossing at their own initiative, sources said.
“As the Indian Railways Authority has blatantly ignored the demand of the villagers, we have left no other option but block the railway from Friday. Moreover, as the Indian Railways seems to be reluctant to construct a level crossing, we will construct it at the spot”, Villagers of Chandra Halam Para said.