HT Correspondent
KHERONI, June 13: A tense situation erupted on Thursday in Sildubi, by the Kopili River in West Karbi Anglong, as a dispute arose between students from Hojai district and a local ferry operator (“Boat Mahaldar”).
The friction stemmed from the ferry operator halting service due to overloading. While the boat’s capacity is typically 25 to 30 passengers, it was carrying 15 more students than its safe limit during the incident.
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Concerned parents from Hojai and local residents gathered at Sildubi market for discussions with the ferry operator. However, tensions escalated when all students from Hojai district disembarked on the opposite shore, effectively suspending ferry operations and stranding passengers.
Allegations of physical altercation, including a student claiming to have been struck by the ferry operator with a bamboo stick, heightened the situation. Police from Jengkha intervened to manage the escalating conflict.
This incident underscores a long-standing issue, as hundreds of students, farmers, teachers, and businessmen rely on the ferry for daily commute due to the absence of a bridge over the Kopili river.
Despite promises made during election campaigns, including laying the foundation stone for the Sildubi bridge, the construction remains pending, exacerbating community frustrations.
As discussions are scheduled for tonight to address the immediate concerns and long-term infrastructure needs, the community awaits a resolution anxiously.
