Residents staged a road blockade on a key national highway on Friday morning demanding immediate resolution of a prolonged drinking water crisis, causing severe disruption to traffic and hardship for commuters.

The protest took place in the Kadamtala–Kurti Assembly constituency under North Tripura district. Demonstrators blocked the main alternative national highway connecting Premtala to Kurti, in front of the Baghon Gram Panchayat office. The agitation was led by residents of Ward No. 3 under Kadamtala Gram Panchayat.

According to local sources, around 10 to 12 families reside in the affected ward and have been facing acute drinking water shortages for the past several months. Residents alleged that despite repeatedly informing the Kadamtala Gram Panchayat Pradhan and elected representatives, no effective or permanent measures were taken to address the issue. Left with no alternative, they resorted to blocking the highway from around 8:00 am on Friday.

The blockade led to massive traffic congestion on both sides of the busy road. School students, office-goers, and other commuters faced considerable inconvenience as vehicular movement came to a near standstill for several hours.

Upon receiving information, Sub-Inspector Sanjib Malakar of Kadamtala Police Station arrived at the scene with police personnel. After discussions with the protesters, he assured them that necessary steps would be taken to resolve the issue at the earliest. Based on the administration’s assurance, the residents withdrew the blockade, and traffic movement gradually returned to normal.

However, the agitating residents issued a clear warning that if the assurances are not translated into concrete action, they would be compelled to launch a larger movement in the coming days. The growing resentment over the lack of access to basic drinking water services is being viewed by locals as a serious warning for the administration.