Source: The Sangai Express / Jacob Panmei
Jiribam, July 03 2009:
Coupled with the slackness of the BRTF in executing their work on one side and arrogance of security personnel on the other, commuters/passengers have been annoyed to the limit.
The 115 RCC (Road Construction Company) of 36 BRTF which has been assigned to construct/look after Jiribam-Barak section is taking its task for granted.
Even though it is not uncommon for commuters to get stranded for a night or two due to landslide or collapse of bailey bridges along this stretch of NH 53, BRTF labourers were found idling away playing cards near the highway.
This has become a daily routine which only exposed the failure of the superiors to supervise the labourers.
There are at least 14 bailey bridges between Jiri and Barak of which more than half are lying in dilapidated condition due to the apathy of the 1447 BCC (Bridge Construction Company) of BRO which is assigned the task of bridge construction along the stretch.
The two suspension bridges at Makru and Barak have also deteriorated to a pitiable condition.
Apart from the bad shape of the highway and its bridges, CRPF and BSF personnel posted near Makru and Barak bridges has been unnecessarily harassing commuters/passengers.
They asked passengers of light vehicles like Tata Sumo or Tata Winger to alight from their vehicles and to walk across the bridges.
However loaded trucks were allowed to pass through the bridges without hindrance.
Many passengers have questioned such irrational conduct of the security forces.