APHLC opposes flyover construction at Diphu; BJP counters

Our Correspondent

Diphu, July 20 (EMN): The All Party Hills Leaders Conference (APHLC) has opposed the construction of a flyover at Diphu, Karbi Anglong. 

Addressing a press conference held at APHLC, President JI Kathar’s residence on Tuesday, Kathar said the statue of Karbi hero ‘Rongparpi Nokbe’ would go under the bridge and more development was needed on the Nilip area of Karbi Anglong.

 “The flyover that is being built from the office of the DFO, Forest, East Division to Members Hostel in the name of development is pleasant to the ear and may be very aesthetic as well if properly done. Given the effect that it will have, the APHLC opposes it. No need for its construction. As of now, there is no such thing as a severe traffic jam, nor do we have to wait for hours. It also happens that sometimes there is no traffic at all.”

 “If one has to spend so much why not spend on building a bridge over Phonglangso, Kolioni River near Chokihola in Nilip on the way to Borpung. That is the most urgent. Moreover, the statue of Rongpharpi Nokbe which was built with much thought and money will be covered. We have heard that the statue will be moved and shifted to a place where it will be not much seen by the people. The Semson Sing Ingti Park itself will be not destroyed as such but it will be below (the flyover) and will not be seen by the people,” he said.

Rongpharpi Nokbe and Semson Sing Ingti are seen as heroes of the tribe by the Karbi people. There is a park named after Semson Sing Ingti right where the flyover will pass overhead.

Kathar said that these are inspirations for the people and the young generation.

“What the administration is doing is that they will be forgotten. The commercial value of the area will also be reduced. It may also be used as an open lavatory at night. APHLC opposes the flyover for all these reasons,” he added.

The APHLC suggested that one can build roads on the left and right of Rongbang Aklam (Chutianala) where a bus stoppage is built. The area adjacent to it will also benefit.

Kathar said that they have given a written representation to the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Tuliram Ronghang.

Meantime, the ruling BJP party countered JI Kathar’s allegations by holding a counter press conference at Hambi Restaurant on Tuesday evening around 8 pm. The BJP said Karbi Anglong is ‘fortunate to have the first flyover among the hill districts’. 

Secretary of BJP, ST Morcha of the state, Long Sing Tokbi said, “One has to struggle to have infrastructure development. One even has to resort to a movement. The state government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswas Sarma in its five years has not given a flyover in any part of the state but only to Karbi Anglong. The flyover being built with a cost of INR 200 crores is a dream project. One has to understand the mentality of the JI Kathar whether he stands for progress or not.” 

BJP party member Dr. Mongve Rongpi said that as Diphu is the district headquarters there will be growth and traffic jams.

Members of Autonomous Council (MACs), Avijit Kro said, ‘APHLC President JI Kathar always opposed every developmental works in Karbi Anglong. He is not fit to be a public leader, he always misleads the people of Karbi Anglong.’

The press conference was attended by Members of Autonomous Council (MACs), Johny Timung, Phenpiga Rengma, Sarthe Kramsa and Bhaskar Phangcho.