Agartala, October 7, 2025: A major protest erupted on Tuesday afternoon in Tripura’s Golakpur ADC Village and Halaichhara area under Sarojini Gram Panchayat, Kailashahar of Unakoti district, as residents blocked the main road from Ishan Chowdhury Para to Serampur demanding restoration of drinking water supply, which has been cut off since September 26.

According to local sources, the villages have been facing an acute shortage of drinking water for nearly 10 to 12 days. The crisis began after a pipeline from the iron removal plant in Golakpur burst. However, villagers alleged that despite repeated complaints, the officials of the local Drinking Water and Health Department failed to take timely action. They claimed that the department cited office closure during Puja and unavailability of workers as excuses, while no alternative arrangements for water supply were made.

Angered by what they termed as “gross negligence,” men and women from both villages joined the protest and blocked the main road, disrupting vehicular movement for hours. “We will not withdraw until the authorities assure us that the pipe will be repaired and water supply restored today,” said one of the protesters.

Following the incident, a large police contingent from Kailashahar Police Station and TSR jawans rushed to the spot. Additional Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Kailashahar Sub-Division, Karjan Hallam, also arrived and held discussions with the demonstrators to defuse tension. However, the blockade continued till late afternoon, leaving numerous vehicles stranded on both sides of the road and causing immense suffering to commuters.

Tension remains high in the area as villagers await an immediate solution to the prolonged drinking water crisis.