Kakopathar: Residents of Kakopathar in upper Assam’s Tinsukia district have called for urgent measures to address frequent road accidents on National Highway-15, citing repeated loss of lives over the years.

The latest accident killed two youths on the spot: 21-year-old Pranjit Das, a resident of Kakopathar and goalkeeper of the Kakopathar Football Coaching Centre, and 22-year-old Shashank Moran from nearby Teji village.

The incident has drawn renewed attention to the 2020 hit-and-run case involving local journalist Parag Bhuyan, who was critically injured near his residence in Kakopathar and died the following day due to head injuries.

Residents said that multiple accidents have been reported along the stretch from Rojagarh bypass to Mahadev Pur gate near the Arunachal Pradesh border over the past few years, resulting in several fatalities and injuries.

They attributed the rise in incidents to increased traffic following the commissioning of the Makum bypass, along with limited road safety infrastructure in the area.

Local resident Muskan Moran said, “We are losing our young people and families are being torn apart. Traffic on this NH-15 stretch has multiplied after the bypass. The administration must immediately set up a dedicated traffic police station and a modern, well-equipped hospital with experienced doctors to save lives.”

She added, “Traffic signals are urgently needed at key points on the Rojagarh bypass. Improving roads alone is not enough; we need adequate manpower and modern technology to prevent mishaps. Sadly, both remain missing here.”

Kakopathar, once primarily an agricultural town, has been experiencing commercial growth in recent years, with new businesses opening and increased movement of people seeking education, healthcare, and employment.

Residents said this growth has not been matched by improvements in traffic management and emergency medical facilities.

They stated that without measures such as a traffic outpost, speed monitoring systems, and upgraded healthcare facilities, further accidents and public concern are likely to continue.

The district administration has not issued a detailed response to the renewed demands so far.

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