Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR : The Basar Area Student Union (BASU) and the Jigo Yego Student Union (JYSU), under the banner of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) for the Akajan-Likabali-Bame (ALB) Road, have served a final ultimatum-cum-representation to the district administrations of Lower Siang and Leparada, setting August 20, 2026, as the deadline to clarify the agency responsible for the long-pending road project and announce a time-bound schedule for its construction and maintenance.

Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here on Tuesday, JAC chairman Nyakar Taipodia said the approximately 100-km Akajan-Likabali-Bame (ALB) Road is a vital lifeline connecting the districts of Lower Siang, Leparada, West Siang, Shi-Yomi and Upper Subansiri. However, he alleged that the road has remained in a deplorable condition for decades, causing immense hardship to commuters, particularly during the monsoon season.

He informed that the ultimatum followed an emergent meeting held on July 31 in Likabali, attended by BASU, JYSU and other stakeholders under the chairmanship of senior citizen Sengo Taipodia.

The ultimatum has also been submitted to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor, Ministers P.D. Sona and Kento Jini, legislators Nabam Jini Dirchi, Pesi Jilen and Topin Ete, besides senior officials of NHIDCL and BRTF, for information and necessary action.

Taipodia alleged that despite repeated public demands and representations before elected representatives and authorities, no meaningful action has been initiated to restore or upgrade the road into an all-weather corridor.

Expressing concern over what he described as administrative ambiguity, Taipodia said there is widespread confusion regarding the implementing agency responsible for the road, with the responsibility reportedly divided between the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF/GREF) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

“This lack of clarity has weakened public accountability, as neither agency is being held solely responsible for the prolonged delay,” Taipodia said.

The committee demanded that the district administrations clarify the agency entrusted with the construction and maintenance of the ALB Road and ensure that the concerned authority immediately begins maintenance work. It also sought a definite, time-bound schedule for the commencement of construction and the development of the road into an all-weather corridor.

Taipodia warned that if the authorities fail to address the demands by August 20, the committee, in consultation with the public, will announce a bandh in Leparada district and the Likabali area of Lower Siang district.

He said the proposed agitation would be the result of continued inaction by the concerned authorities despite repeated appeals.