Sanfe - Martadi Highway shut for compensation

Bajura – People of Tipada at Badimalika Municipality-5 in Bajura have blocked the Sanfe-Martadi Highway since this morning, citing that they were not compensated for their land that was acquired in course of the highway construction. 

Their complaint is that despite their frequent visits to the District Administration Office and people's representatives from the district with this issue, the voices continue to fall on deaf ears. They have accused the contractor company - PS Company - of not compensating them for their land property. As they said they found no option to closing the highway to exert pressure on authorities concerned to make the contractor respond to their issues. 

They were promised, in writing, that they would be given proper compensation for the arable land that is acquired for the road construction project. However, 11 families have got nothing in compensation till now, said one Dhir Bahadur Singh. "The road will not be opened until we are paid the compensation." 

When approached, Chief District Officer, Luk Bahadur Chhetri, said an all-party meeting was held in the District Administration Office (DAO) Sunday to seek a legal remedy of the issue. Efforts are underway to reopen the highway. 
Vehicles operating on short and long routes have been stranded before reaching the destination due to the highway closure. (Photo available) 
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