“Barak Remains in Ventilation for 6 Months”: Congress’s Papon Deb Slams ‘Double Engine’ Government

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP-led government, Congress leader Papon Deb on Sunday claimed that Barak Valley is in a state of prolonged neglect, especially during the monsoon season. Speaking at a press conference, Deb said Barak Valley “remains in ventilation for six months”, as critical connectivity routes — roads, railways, and even air travel — break down, leaving lakhs of people stranded and helpless.

He accused the ruling BJP of failing to complete vital infrastructure projects even after a decade of being in power in Assam. “Barak Valley has four MPs and 15 MLAs, of which the BJP has 3 MPs and 9 MLAs. Yet, the 42-kilometre stretch between Harangajao and Dittokcherra on the National Highway is still incomplete,” he said. He recalled how, during the Congress regime, the BJP had blamed the state government for not issuing NoC, but questioned why the road remains unfinished even under the BJP’s own double-engine rule.

Deb highlighted that the Silchar–Shillong road, which earlier remained blocked for a few days during monsoon, now stays shut for months. “Out of six months, it’s unusable for five. There’s no sincere effort to restore it. But the government keeps talking about ‘development’,” he remarked. “They only come to Barak before elections, stir up Hindu-Muslim politics, and walk away with the votes.”

On the railway front, Deb accused the government of taking credit for projects initiated earlier. “When the BJP came to power in 2014, within 4-5 months, they inaugurated the broad-gauge line. But 95% of the work was already completed during the Congress rule. They just painted and decorated it and took the credit. Today, during every monsoon, train services remain suspended for months. What are the people of Barak supposed to do?”

Deb also raised alarm over the soaring airfare, calling it a “burning hole” in Valley residents’ pockets. “Travelling to Guwahati or Kolkata during a medical emergency now costs Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 16,000. This is unaffordable. Whether it’s treatment or education, people can’t step out of Barak anymore.”

He slammed the deteriorating condition of public health infrastructure as well. “At SMCH, there is no water, no electricity, and a shortage of doctors and nurses. Private hospitals are charging Rs. 1 to 1.5 lakh for just two days of treatment. What option do common people have?”

Calling for public mobilisation, Deb urged residents — especially senior citizens — to revive the spirit of protest seen during 2011–2012. “We need to save the valley. I appeal to the people of Barak to unite and launch a collective movement to put pressure on this indifferent government.”

He also took a dig at Barak’s ministers, whom he blamed for being busy campaigning in Bodoland while the valley suffers. “We have two cabinet ministers from Barak Valley. But they are in BTR for elections. The survival of the Barak people is none of their concern,” Deb said.