Sainj on standstill Valley rises against road neglect

Sainj tehsil headquarters witnessed a massive public uprising today, with hundreds rallying for the immediate reopening of roads that have remained shut for over six weeks. The protest was spearheaded by the Sainj Beopar Mandal, Sangharsh Samiti and the local Taxi Union, with strong support from social groups, panchayats, Mahila Mandals and Yuvak Mandals — reflecting the valley’s deep-rooted frustration.

In a powerful display of unity, over 300 shops in Nalagarh’s main market and Hospital Market downed shutters. The streets echoed with drumbeats and slogans as protesters marched from the taxi stand to the tehsil office, demanding urgent action from the Public Works Department and local administration.

Addressing the crowd, Beopar Mandal president Jhabe Ram Thakur lashed out at the government’s inaction. “For the past one and a half months, 95% of the valley’s roads have been closed. Shopkeepers, farmers and orchard owners are facing crippling losses. Farmers’ produce is rotting in the fields while the administration remains silent,” he said.

Mahesh Sharma, president of the Sangharsh Samiti, recalled the community’s past victories, including their 2018 campaign to improve healthcare services in Sainj hospital. “This is not about politics—it’s about survival. People from every background have united for their basic rights,” he asserted.

Kisan Sabha vice-president Narayan Chauhan accused both central and state governments of neglecting farmers’ needs. He reiterated the demand for a minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, based on a fixed formula to ensure fair compensation.

The protest drew participation from local leaders including Beopar Mandal vice-president Kamal Dev, Treasurer Buddhi Singh Thakur, Kisan Sabha Banjar unit president Sher Negi, and retired principal Fateh Singh Thakur.

A memorandum listing the community’s demands was submitted to the Chief Minister through the Sainj tehsildar. Protesters warned that if the government fails to act swiftly, the agitation will intensify.

The message from Sainj Valley was loud and clear: the community will not remain silent while their livelihoods are jeopardized. Roads are not just pathways here—they are lifelines, and the people are ready to fight for them.