Following the violent clash between Assam and Mizoram at Vairengte on 26 July, 2021, Assam has imposed complete economic blockade in National Highway-306, the main entry point of goods and supplies to Mizoram. Mizoram is now on the verge of facing another hardship which will severely affect the everyday lives of the Mizo people. Assam has been blocking the entry of all vehicles from Assam to Mizoram from 26 July, 2021 till today.
In pursuance of this action from Assam, Lalbiaksangi, Home Secretary of the Govt. of Mizoram has sent an official letter to the Union Home Secretary today. In this letter, the state Home Minister has expressed concerns regarding the economic blockade imposed by Assam and the destruction of railway lines connecting Barabi Railway Station and urged the Central government to take immediate action.
This seems to be Assam's response to the recent interstate border conflict even though the press statement made by the Home Minister of Mizoram has requested peaceful negotiation regarding the issue. Assam has blocked the National Highway-306 and other roads connecting Mizoram with other parts of the country from Assam. The Home Minister, in the letter, informed the Union Home Secretary that “National Highway- 306 is the main highway for the flow of essential commodities and supplies into the State of Mizoram.” This economic blockade will continue to affect the daily activities of the people in Mizoram. A part from blocking the supply of essential commodities into the landlocked state, Assam is also restricting the movement of any vehicle between the two states.
This is not the first economic blockade that Assam imposed on Mizoram. After the heated conflict in the interstate border in October 2020, Assam blocked the movement of essential commodities and supplies to Mizoram for almost a month from 17 October, 2020 to 11 November 2020. The Home Secretary also expressed concern regarding Assam’s continuous retort to economic blockade “merely because of the fact that the main supply routes i.e National Highways and railway lines are passing through the state.
Sources have also reported that miscreants from Assam have intentionally destroyed the railway tracks at Mohammedpur Railway Station and Ramnathpur Railway Station in Hailakandi District, Assam. This proves to be another severe concern for Mizoram since this is the only railway line connecting Bairabi Railway Station in Mizoram as a result of which supply of goods and other necessities will be hampered.
In the letter, the Home Secretary strongly urged the Central government to look into the matter immediately and take actions to remove the bloackade. She aslo pointed out that Assam government has no right to impose such blockade and tamper with railway lines since the National Highway and Railways lines are the property of the Central Government. She added that “no state agency /entity or the general public has any right to block them and restrict the movement of people and goods through the highways and railroads. Meanwhile, the Central Government has called the chief minsters of both states for a joint discussion to solve the interstate border issue.
