Tura, October 20: The Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Central Executive Committee, has urged the three MLAs of South Garo Hills to jointly seek Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s intervention to address the deteriorating condition of National Highway 217, particularly the Baghmara–Karongre stretch.

In an open letter dated October 19, GSU CEC president Zikku Balgra N. Marak appealed to Rakkam A. Sangma of Rongara Siju, Sengchim N. Sangma of Chokpot and Kartush R. Marak of Baghmara to rise above party differences and approach the Chief Minister as a united delegation.

The union described NH-217, which connects Dudhnoi in Assam to Dalu via Baghmara, as a vital lifeline for the people of the region. It said the highway’s deteriorating condition was disrupting access to healthcare, education, markets and essential supplies.

According to the GSU, patients are facing difficulties reaching Baghmara Civil Hospital on time, while students are missing classes and examinations. Farmers are also struggling to transport their produce, and rising transportation risks are contributing to higher prices of essential commodities.

The union further stated that villagers in Tojanang, Dompai and other areas had been forced to carry out makeshift repairs using boulders and mud.

Despite protests, memorandums and non-cooperation movements, the GSU said a lasting solution remained elusive due to delays in land acquisition compensation, stalled tendering and uncertainty over the proposed transfer of the project to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

The union urged the three legislators to press the Chief Minister to take up the matter with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to secure approval for the land acquisition proposal, ensure payment of compensation and initiate the tendering process.

It also called for accountability from the agency entrusted with executing the project, whether the State Public Works Department’s National Highways Division or NHIDCL. The GSU stressed that the road must be built to withstand the region’s heavy rainfall and challenging terrain, ensuring durable, all-weather connectivity.

Pending the implementation of the full project, the union demanded urgent repairs along the Baghmara–Karongre and Baghmara–Dangsa Awe stretches.

Describing South Garo Hills as one of the oldest districts yet among the most neglected in terms of road connectivity, the GSU appealed to the three MLAs to make the highway a priority during their next meeting with the Chief Minister.