Tension prevailed at the Nazirakhat toll gate in Assam’s Sonapur after local residents staged a protest against the continued collection of toll fees, demanding that the charges be suspended until damaged stretches of the National Highway are repaired.
The protesters reportedly shut down the toll gate and raised objections over motorists being required to pay toll charges despite the poor condition of several sections of the highway. The demonstration intensified after toll collection reportedly resumed, leading to further resentment among those gathered at the site.
Residents Demand Suspension of Toll Collection
The protesters maintained that toll collection should be halted until authorities complete necessary repair work on the damaged portions of the National Highway.
Residents questioned why motorists were being asked to pay toll charges while several stretches of the road remained in poor condition. They argued that the condition of the highway needed to be improved before regular toll collection could continue.
The protest resulted in the temporary shutdown of toll operations as demonstrators pressed authorities to address their concerns. Their central demand remained the suspension of toll collection until the damaged sections of the highway are properly repaired.
Toll Collection Resumes, Triggering Further Tension
According to reports, toll collection resumed despite the ongoing protest, leading to heightened tension at the Nazirakhat toll gate.
The move reportedly angered protesters, who accused toll gate authorities and the administration of failing to respond adequately to their concerns regarding the condition of the National Highway.
The demonstrators continued their opposition to the collection of toll charges and reiterated that motorists should not be required to pay while the road remains damaged.
The situation drew a heavy police deployment at the toll gate as authorities sought to maintain law and order and prevent the protest from escalating further.
AASU Leader Rinku Deka Detained
During the protest, police detained All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) leader Rinku Deka and took him to a police station.
Reports identified Deka as being associated with the Jorabat unit of AASU. His detention took place as protesters continued to demand the immediate repair of the damaged highway stretches and opposed the resumption of toll collection.
According to one report, police alleged that Deka had provoked protesters, while further details regarding the circumstances surrounding his detention were being examined.
The detention added to the tension surrounding the demonstration, as residents and other protesters continued to press their demand for action on the condition of the National Highway.
Poor Highway Condition at Centre of Protest
The condition of the highway remained the central issue behind the Nazirakhat toll collection protest.
Residents argued that toll charges should correspond with the quality and maintenance of the road infrastructure. With several stretches reportedly damaged, protesters said authorities should prioritise repairs and restoration work.
The demonstration also reflected wider public frustration over road conditions and concerns about travelling on damaged stretches of the highway.
A separate report noted that protesters blocked National Highway 27 over the condition of the road and demanded that toll collection be suspended until necessary repairs and maintenance were carried out.
Heavy Police Presence Deployed at Toll Gate
Authorities deployed a strong police presence at the Nazirakhat toll gate following the escalation of the protest.
The deployment was aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring that the situation did not develop into a larger confrontation.
Police remained at the site as protesters continued to express their opposition to toll collection and demand immediate attention to the damaged sections of the National Highway.
The presence of security personnel highlighted the seriousness of the situation, particularly after the detention of the AASU leader.
Protesters Reiterate Demand for Highway Repairs
Despite the tense situation, the protesters remained firm on their principal demand.
They called on the authorities to prioritise the repair and restoration of the damaged portions of the National Highway before continuing with regular toll collection.
Residents maintained that motorists should not have to pay toll fees for travelling on roads that they believe are inadequately maintained.
The protesters also urged the administration and toll authorities to address public concerns and ensure that repair work is completed without further delay.
Nazirakhat Toll Protest Highlights Growing Public Concern
The Nazirakhat toll collection protest has brought renewed attention to concerns over highway maintenance and toll collection in the Sonapur area.
While the immediate situation centred on demands for the suspension of toll charges and the repair of damaged road stretches, the detention of AASU leader Rinku Deka added another dimension to the tense protest.
With residents continuing to demand improved road conditions, attention is likely to remain on whether authorities take further steps to repair the affected stretches of the National Highway and address the concerns raised by motorists and local communities.