Unique protest held against non-repair of Samrala-Khanna road

Our Correspondent

Samrala June 20

In a unique protest against the non-repair of the Samrala-Khanna road some social activists of the town under the banner of Samrala Social Welfare Society collected funds from shopkeepers and presented amount along with demand letter to the Naib Tehsildar, Samrala, Swarn Singh. 

The Naib Tehsildar received memorandum from protesters, but refused to accept money in the absence of the SDM, Samrala. Members of society went from shop to shop and collected Rs 867 as a mark of protest for non-repair of the road. 

Protesters alleged that the road from Khanna to Machiwara via Samrala had not been repaired from the last 15 years. Many accidents had taken place on this road resulting in loss of lives and damaging of vehicles, including two-wheelers, they added. 

A number of organisations had protested for repair of the road, but the department concerned was dilly dallying on the issue citing non-availability of funds. 

Protesters said, “We will send this collected amount to the state government.” They warned stern action after the meeting on Thursday to chalk out next course of action. 

Gagandeep Sharma, Shiv Kumar Shivly, Amritpal Samrala, Rajwinder Samrala, Karamjit Sandhu and other members of society were present on the occasion. 

When contacted, SDM, Samrala, Amit Bamby, said, “We have received a memorandum from protesters, but have declined to accept money as it is not viable.” 

“The Samrala-Khanna road has been declared a National Highway by the NHAI. They have floated tenders for its repair, which is expected to start soon,” he added.