“Why Not Shoot Us Instead?”: Mithun Nath’s Fiery Question Over Central Road

Local residents and traders blocked Central Road at Bhawal Point on Thursday (September 24), protesting the poor condition of the road and demanding immediate repair work. Mithun Nath asks, “Why not shoot us instead of killing us little by little?”

The protesters said the road has remained in a poor condition for nearly one and a half years, causing severe difficulties for residents, pedestrians, auto-rickshaw drivers and local businesses. The blockade was lifted after departmental authorities reached the spot and assured the protesters that repair work would begin within three days.

Addressing the media, local activist Mithun Nath said the blockade was organised because the condition of Central Road had continued to deteriorate despite repeated demands for repairs.

Nath said concrete blocks had been placed on the damaged stretches following public outrage over the condition of the road. However, according to him, the blocks were removed before even a month had passed.

He said the residents questioned the authorities about the removal and were informed that the road would instead be repaired using bitumen. Nath alleged that nearly a month had passed since then, but the actual roadwork had still not begun.

According to Nath, the situation becomes particularly difficult during rainfall, when the stretch turns muddy and auto-rickshaws struggle to pass through it. He claimed that some auto-rickshaws have even overturned while attempting to cross the damaged portion.

During dry weather, Nath said the problem shifts to dust. He alleged that the dust has made it difficult for local traders to run their businesses, with newly purchased materials appearing old because of the dust. He also claimed that people in the area are falling ill because of the conditions.

Questioning how long the residents of Central Road would have to endure the situation, Nath alleged that the administration was “killing us little by little” and asked, “Why don’t you shoot us instead?”

Nath also questioned whether there was any capable representative who could understand the difficulties faced by the people living and working in the area.

Another woman participating in the protest said the residents were making only one demand.

“We only demand our road to be fixed,” she said.

The blockade continued for several hours before departmental officials arrived and held discussions with the protesters. Following the assurance that the road would be repaired within three days, the protesters withdrew the blockade.

However, the protesters warned that if repair work does not begin within the promised period, they will resume the road blockade indefinitely from the fourth day and launch a larger agitation.