Kailashahar:Tension gripped the international Zero Point area near Kailashahar in Unakoti district on Sunday after locals and contractors staged a road blockade at Tilabazar, alleging that repair work on a breached Manu river embankment had been obstructed, putting nearly 12 villages at risk of flooding.
Following days of heavy rainfall, around 300 metres of the embankment began breaching in the Lathiapara Gram Panchayat area. Contractor Abdul Mannan alleged that repair work initiated by the Flood Control Department was halted after unidentified persons turned back soil and boulder-laden vehicles on two occasions, allegedly in the presence of police.
Mannan further alleged that government lawyer Sandip Dev Roy, reportedly linked to obstructing the work, held a press conference at the sensitive border site — a claim that could not be independently verified.
Protesters demanded immediate resumption of repair work and legal action against those allegedly responsible for the obstruction. Questions have also been raised over the administration’s handling of the situation in this strategically sensitive border zone.