Residents of a small village in Silchar’s Udharbond constituency have raised a clear and strong message for leaders ahead of elections; “Give us water, then take our votes.”
The protest has come from Karam Tukura gaon under Madhura Gaon Panchayat in Cachar district. Villagers say the drinking water problem is not new and has existed for several years, but no permanent solution has been provided so far. The situation has become more serious in recent months due to the dry season.
Despite the launch of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which promises tap water to every household, residents claim that their village has seen no benefit from the scheme. According to them, pipelines have not reached the area and no alternative arrangement has been made. 
The village’s only well, once the main source of water, has dried up. With no other option, villagers now walk nearly three kilometres daily to collect water from a nearby river. The task is especially difficult for women, children, and elderly people, who spend several hours every day just to meet basic needs.
Villagers allege that they have submitted repeated requests and complaints to local representatives, but nothing has changed on the ground. Frustration has now turned into protest.
Declaring their stand, residents said they will not participate in voting unless immediate steps are taken to provide drinking water. “Our demand is simple,” they said. “Water is a basic need. Without it, promises mean nothing.”
