Residents of Langkashi and neighbouring villages on Friday blocked Oil India Limited (OIL) vehicles on the Makum-Duliajan connecting road, demanding urgent repairs to a severely damaged stretch.
Protesters alleged that a large pothole on the road has made it impossible for heavy vehicles to pass, while smaller vehicles and schoolchildren face risks while using the route.
They alleged that the contractor had carried out substandard work from the beginning, despite being informed about the condition of the road. The protesters also claimed that a teacher was injured after falling while travelling to school.
Local youth groups, including the Langkashi Youth Association, joined the protest. They said OIL’s heavy vehicles regularly use the road and demanded that the route be restored to a motorable condition without delay.
The blockade had continued since morning, with OIL vehicles stopped on the route. Protesters said no OIL official had reached the site till then and warned that the agitation would continue until a solution is provided.
