Assam: NH8 blockade between Assam and Tripura lifted after 8 hours

DUBRUGARH:

Protestors, who had blocked the National Highway 8 between Assam and Agartala in protest against Tripura’s stance to allow transportation of essential commodities to Mizoram on Monday finally lifted the blockade after eight hours on Tuesday.

Organised under the banner of Rashtriya Yuba Chatra Parisha (RYCP) in Karimganj district of Assam, the blockade was lifted following talks between police and the protestors.

The protestors had blocked the highway between Karimganj in Assam and Sabroom in Tripura, stating that Tripura, which is dependent on Assam for the supply of essential goods, is supporting Mizoram despite the economic blockade imposed by the Assam government following the violent clashes on the Assam-Mizoram border that saw the death of six Assam policemen on July 26.

Expressing dismay over Tripura's gesture, the protestors had initially said that we will not allow the trucks carrying essential items such as medicines, food, and other essential items for Mizoram to pass through the area.

"They (Mizos) have killed our policemen during the inter-state border clash on July 26. This highway is the lifeline of Tripura and they are dependent on Assam for basic commodities. And now, Tripura is helping Mizoram which is also dependent on Assam. We will block supplies to Mizoram unless they seek an apology from the Assamese people," said a member of the RYCP, who didn’t want to be named.

On the other hand, the Mizoram health minister Dr. R Lathangliana on Monday had written a letter to the Union home minister, Amit Shah requesting him to intervene in the matter, as Mizoram is suffering because of the blockade and is facing an acute crisis in the supply of essential commodities including vital medicines.

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