“We Want Education, Not Death”: Govt. Model College, Borkhola Students Protest Over Road Condition

Students of Government Model College, Borkhola staged a protest beside the Silchar-Jayantia Road on Thursday, demanding immediate repair of the road, which they described as being in a deplorable condition.

Holding placards and raising slogans such as “We Want Education, Not Accidental Death”, the students highlighted the difficulties faced by students, teachers and local residents while travelling on the road. They alleged that the poor condition of the road has led to frequent accidents and made daily commuting extremely difficult.

The students did not block the road as they had not obtained permission for such an action. Instead, they sat beside the road and demonstrated peacefully to draw the attention of the authorities to their grievances.

Speaking to the media, one student said it had become nearly impossible to continue studies under such circumstances, as reaching the college itself was a challenge. Another student warned that if the road was not repaired soon, they would consider boycotting classes. The student added that they were even prepared to hold classes on the roadside if necessary but would not accept the present situation any longer.

The protesting students appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Katigorah MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha to intervene and ensure that the road is repaired at the earliest.

The road in question forms part of the Silchar-Jayantia Road, which is currently being upgraded under the Assam Mala Project. According to available information, land acquisition for the project has already been carried out. However, the work reportedly remains incomplete because several electricity poles have not yet been relocated from the expanded road alignment.

The students also raised concerns over the presence of electricity poles in the middle of the widened stretch, stating that the unfinished work has created additional risks for commuters.

The Silchar-Jayantia Road has faced complaints over its condition on several occasions in recent years. Students, local residents and patients travelling for medical treatment have frequently reported difficulties due to the damaged road.

In a recent incident that drew widespread attention, a school vehicle became stuck on the road, forcing the driver and others to help push it free. A video of the incident later went viral on social media.

This is not the first time students of Government Model College, Borkhola have raised the issue. Students of the college had also organised protests in the past, demanding improvement of the road infrastructure. The latest demonstration reflects growing frustration among commuters as the road condition continues to affect daily life in the area.