Prolonged Closure of Crucial Buribail-Mohanpur Ferry Service Sparks Crisis, Locals Blame IWT Dept

Cachar district has become the epicentre of protests as residents, frustrated by the repeated neglect of their basic rights, take to hunger strikes, demonstrations, and road blockades. Why would they not protest? After repeated memorandums and earnest entreaty when basic rights like roads, drinking water or college admission are denied to the people, they are left with no option. The closure of the Buribail-Mohanpur ferry service in the Borkhola constituency for the past two and a half months has only intensified the discontent of the locals of the village.

The ferry service, run by the Inland Water Transport Department (IWT), has been mysteriously non-operational, causing significant distress among the riverine passengers who rely on it daily. Thousands of school and college students depend on this ferry for their commute, and its prolonged closure has created severe difficulties for them. Despite numerous pleas and memorandums, the department remains silent, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the riverine population.

On June 27, the residents expressed their frustration and held a protest blaming departmental authorities for the ferry’s closure. They warn of large-scale agitation if the service is not resumed soon. One demonstrating youth stated, “This is a very old Ferry Ghat and part of our heritage, dating back to the independence era and even the times of the Kachari Kings. For the last 15 years, the IWT Department has been running engine-driven boats here. Before the flood, the engine machinery was defunct and non-operational, causing the stoppage of operations and huge problems for students, daily wage labourers, employees, and all people in the area.”

“This ferry ghat is the only route connecting at least two thousand people of our village to other parts, including Silchar. Those studying or doing business in Silchar can’t continue their activities,” he added.

The residents have urged the department to repair the boats and address their grievances. “The department is paying no heed to repair the boats and listen to our grievance. We are urging the department to repair the machinery or face a bigger movement,” warned the locals.

The residents’ anger and frustration are palpable as they continue their protests, demanding immediate action to restore the vital ferry service that is crucial for their daily lives and livelihoods.