Road Issue Satyagraha Ends After MLA Assures Solution

Satyagraha Concludes with MLA's Assurance

In Gram Panchayat Sheikhupur Jakholi, located in the Badhpura development block of Etawah district, a Satyagraha protest, held under the slogan 'Give us a road or give us death,' concluded on Saturday. The protest was sparked by severe transportation issues plaguing the villagers.

Sadar MLA Mrs. Sarita Bhadauria intervened by listening to the villagers' grievances and summoning officials to the site. She assured them of a prompt resolution, leading to the termination of the धरना (dharna - protest sit-in).

Women Break Hunger Strike After MLA's Intervention

Following the MLA's assurance, the women participating in the hunger strike broke their fast. The MLA arrived at the Satyagraha site around 11 AM on Saturday and engaged directly with the villagers, understanding their long-standing demand for a proper road.

MLA Sarita Bhadauria reassured the protestors that their issue would be resolved swiftly and that necessary actions would be initiated. She appealed to the villagers to end the protest.

Five women on hunger strike – Ramsakhi, Sarla, Girija, Madhuri, and Urmila – collectively ended their fast after the MLA's appeal. MLA Sarita Bhadauria personally fed them sweets to mark the end of their hunger strike.

Memorandum Demanding Overbridge Construction Submitted

After concluding the protest, MLA Sarita Bhadauria received a memorandum addressed to the Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, at the Satyagraha site. The memorandum, submitted by residents of Sheikhupur Jakholi and surrounding villages, prominently demanded the construction of an overbridge as a permanent solution to their transportation woes.

The villagers stated that the current road problems significantly hinder their daily lives, employment, education, and other essential activities, making an overbridge the only lasting solution.

During the event, senior administrative officials including the Chief Development Officer, Additional District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, and District Panchayat Raj Officer were present. They thoroughly assessed the villagers' problems and the current site conditions.

Trust in Assurances, Awaiting Implementation

The women on hunger strike stated that they were ending their Satyagraha based on the MLA's assurances, but emphasized that their demands extend beyond mere promises. They stressed the need for visible progress on the ground and the provision of smooth transportation facilities.

They warned that if their demands are not met, they would be compelled to resume their protest. The villagers highlighted that this road issue has been a long-standing problem impacting their daily routines, making them urge the administration and local representatives to expedite the promised actions and the overbridge construction process.

While a degree of relief was observed among the villagers following the MLA's and officials' presence and the women ending their hunger strike, they made it clear that their protest has been temporarily suspended. They will patiently await the commencement and completion of the actual construction work.

Satyagraha convener Deepak Raj reiterated that the protest was being called off based on the assurances from elected representatives and the administration. He added that the villagers' focus will now be on how effectively the administration acts to resolve the overbridge and road issue.

He stated that the core demand of the villagers is secure and easy access to transportation, and they will continue to voice their rights until this is achieved.