Amtereng power project: Caught between the gun and the demand notes

DIPHU, February 19: The mega-size Amtereng hydro-electric project which is under construction at Hamren in Karbi Anglong district, is now fraught with security hurdles what with ultras threatening the labourers from outside the State working at the site to leave the area and are reportedly serving demand notes to the companies working at the project. The only big size hydro-electricity project (under construction) is located in the Amtereng site of Hamren sub-division of Karbi Anglong district. When completed this project is likely to generate and meet the entire requirement of electricity of this district besides supplying a good quantity of electricity through power grid system to other places of the State. In other word it is likely to improve or bring economic change to the masses of the district. After a long wait and crossing several hurdles of beginning the construction has begun. Presently Gamon (India) Ltd - a construction company of international reputation - entered into formal agreement with the Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) and through its subsidiary construction company 'India Overseas' has already received Rs 125 crore from the ASEB for this purpose. It is, however, learnt that the continuous bandhs has badly affected the progress of this construction work. Moreover different extremist organisations have also stepped in and has demanded heavy amounts from the construction-related companies. The extremists have demanded heavy amounts from the 'Bihari community' labours (skilled, semi-skilled and experienced workers). In case of non-payment of demand money, the ultras have threatened the labourers to go away from the construction site immediately or else face dire consequences.