Naxals continue to hamper developmental work undertaken by the government.
Recently, they stalled a road construction project between Daltonganj and Chatra in Jharkhand.
The badly maintained road has been causing problems to villagers who live in the area. The monsoon will further add to the deterioration of the road, making it impossible for the villagers to commute.
"This road connects Pratappur to Daltonganj. Construction was underway, but it stopped suddenly due to unknown reasons. If the road is not built soon, it is going to be impossible for us to commute," said
Rajesh Kumar, a local.
Tenders for the road have been floated 17 times, but due to diktats issued by the Naxals, contractors have abandoned the project midway.
The area surrounding the road is a Naxal stronghold, which makes it difficult for contractors to take up the project.
"This area is a Naxal stronghold; therefore, the contractors think that it is really difficult to work here. Even if they take up the project, the Naxals threaten them, and they run away," said Mohammad Zahoor Alam, a block development officer.
This is not the first time that the Naxals have stopped development work. In the past, they have consistently stalled various developmental projects launched the government, such as bridges, roads and hospitals.
