In Kaliabor, angry protestor came out onto the streets against the proposed four-lane national highway bypass. The protesters gathered near the office of the Circle Officer and held a large demonstration, shouting slogans and demanding that the authorities withdraw the new road plan.
The protest was organised by the Kaliabor Four-Lane Demand Committee. The group said that the new bypass route would damage the rich biodiversity of the area and destroy fertile agricultural land and water bodies. They also said that the project would harm local farmers and affect people’s livelihoods.
Residents of many nearby revenue villages joined the protest along with members of the Kaliabor Central Students’ Union, the Assam Nationalist Youth Students’ Council, several organisations and local traders. The protest remained peaceful but firm, as the people said they would continue their movement until the plan is changed. 
Earlier, the National Highways Authority of India had decided to widen the existing National Highway-715 from Kaliabor to Numaligarh into a four-lane road. However, the new decision to build a bypass from Kaliabor Tinali to Ranglua, keeping Jakhalabandha town and nearby villages out of the main route, sparked anger among the public.
In protest, 65 prominent citizens of Kaliabor had already filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Gauhati High Court. The court had earlier ordered temporary suspension of the bypass construction. But with survey work beginning again recently, local residents say they have been forced to restart their agitation.
The protesters said they want development, but not at the cost of the environment and the livelihood of ordinary people. They demanded that the government review the plan and protect the interests of the local population.
