Once a beloved tourist destination, the road has fallen into a state of disrepair, causing concern and frustration among locals due to the government’s perceived inaction.
Protesters gathered to highlight the safety risks posed by the deteriorating road, which is a crucial travel route for both residents and visitors exploring the area’s natural beauty.
“We temporarily halted our protest in June after the Prime Minister’s visit and the Chief Secretary’s promise of a 15.36 crore fund,” said activist Raja Abdul Hafeez. “However, months have passed with little progress, and we are left with no choice but to resume our demonstration.”
Local civil society organizations have united in an unprecedented show of strength, demanding immediate government action to allocate funds for the restoration of Sudhan Gali Road, vital for the region’s tourism and transportation needs.
“We urge all political parties to set aside differences and work together to resolve this issue, which impacts the lives and livelihoods of our community,” added Hafeez.
Letters from a Frenchman Inspire Vietnamese Mountain Girl
Lang Thi Ngan (2002) grew up in Tu Do mountain commune, Quang Hoa district, Cao Bang province. Due to difficult living conditions, studying is therefore not a priority, especially for girls like Ngan. When these ethnic minority girls grow up, they are often expected to get married early, become farmers, or work far away from home. This has gone on for generations, but Ngan had a different plan.