AIZAWL: Mizoram faced significant disruption on Thursday as vehicle owner associations enforced a blockade on National Highway-306 (NH-306), effectively cutting off the state from the rest of the country.
The highway, which serves as Mizoram’s main supply route, linking it to Assam, was deserted as a result of the strike.
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The strike was called by various organizations representing vehicle owners and drivers, who are protesting the poor condition of NH-306.
The road, particularly the stretch between Vairengte in Kolasib district and Sairang in Aizawl district, has become almost impassable due to extensive damage, especially during the monsoon season.
The Kolasib unit of the Mizoram Tipper Association, which played a key role in organizing the blockade, stated that all vehicles, including those carrying essential commodities and oil, as well as private vehicles, were barred from using the highway within Kolasib district of Mizoram.
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However, vehicles involved in medical emergencies and essential services were exempted from the blockade.
F Lalbiakliana, Secretary of the Kolasib unit of the Mizoram Tipper Association, said that repeated appeals to the Mizoram government for repairs to the highway had gone unanswered.
“We have discussed the matter at least five times with the state government and the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), but no action has been taken.
We are forced to take this step to put pressure on the authorities and the construction companies involved,” he said.
The strike has garnered support from other sectors, including the Mizoram Merchants’ Association (MIMA), which expressed solidarity with the vehicle owner associations.
MIMA also urged traders across the state not to increase prices of goods during the blockade.