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DIMAPUR — As the landslide woes near Dzüdza Bridge under Sechü Zubza continue, heavy vehicles are still stranded in the Chathe River Bridge area along the NH-29 in Chümoukedima though the number has decreased to about 60-65 trucks on Friday against about 100 two days ago, as some trucks carrying essential items like vegetables, medicines and ice cream were permitted to proceed via the 10th Mile route (Peducha).
On Friday evening, the area appeared subdued compared to the noisy scenes at the vicinity when this newspaper visited on August 21.
“As for the rest of us, we can’t move forward due to our heavy loads; I have tyres in my truck. Lighter trucks are said to be able to pass via the 10th Mile route, which is too narrow and steep for heavy vehicles like mine,” said Imran Hossain.
The days spent here are gradually wearing down the drivers, with no immediate solution in sight. They told this newspaper that they were still facing the same issues as a week ago, such as lack of toilet facilities and water.
However, they said that their food issue has been addressed, thanks to assistance from the Chümoukedima Town Youth Organisation and the Evangelical Union (EU) and Evangelical Graduate Fellowship (EGF) of Patkai Christian College.
Abu Miario, AGS, Chümoukedima Town Youth Organisation, said that around 15-20 youths gave away essentials such as mineral water, rice, dal, and soya chunks to truck drivers and handymen stranded at Chathe River Bridge area.
Chanreithan Vashi, a student from Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), said that 17 EU committee members and two EGFs distributed items such as dal, rice and oil to the stranded truck drivers. It was a joint initiative by the Evangelical Union (EU) and the Evangelical Graduate Fellowship (EGF) of Patkai Christian College.
‘We took up this initiative to take a step to reach out to each other especially during times of need such as this, a way of sharing God's love,’ said Vashi when asked about their humanitarian act.
While being thankful for the assistance provided by the youths and students, the stranded drivers are worried about the days ahead.
“For the coming days, it is uncertain and vague,” said Hossain, who was taking shelter under a tree that provides shade from the sun.
He said that he took a shower on Thursday after several days, and for that he had to request water from nearby residents. He added that it was embarrassing to constantly ask for water, knowing that the residents too may not be in a position to provide it to all the truck drivers daily.
Nevertheless, the locals residing around the vicinity occasionally provide assistance due to the drivers' dire conditions, it was informed.
Meanwhile, Hossain said: “My family has been asking me to come back (home), but I am the driver. Who will take responsibility for the truck if I leave?” He added: ‘I had a handyman with me, but I sent him home after two days because he is married, while I am single. I felt he needed to be with his family more than I do. I have now been here for a week.’
Another driver, Mithun Kalita (30) is on his eighth day here, facing significant expenses for food, spending INR 600-700 daily out of his own pocket. “If the roads were not blocked, we could simply drop off our cargo and return, avoiding these extra costs,” he said.
“I’m not accustomed to this, but I have to endure this challenging situation,” he added.