Aizwal: Following the dispute in Assam-Mizoram border which took place on July 26, a blockade has surfaced in National Highway 306 which leads to Mizoram through Assam.
This blockade has resulted in a shortage of petrol in state of Mizoram. H. Lalzirliana, the MLA of Mamit Constituency and Vice Chairman of Road and Infrastructure Development Board also added that ever since the unfortunate incident of July 26, not a single vehicle carrying essential commodities and medical supplies have reached Mizoram.
A petrol pump worker from Mizoram said that they have been working in the pump but it has become very difficult to manage the situation because there is no fuel available.
“When people come, all we can do is reply them with a 'No'. Earlier we were doing a bit of rationing but now the entire pump is out of fuel,” he added.
“We had a dispute with our neighbour Assam. That is why Assam has blocked the National Highway which leads to Mizoram. That is why we do not have fuel in the petrol pumps, it is destroying our future,” a native of Mizoram expressed.
Additionally, a local lady from Mizoram also said “Due to blockade of road by Assam, there is no Petrol and diesel in the pump,” standing at an empty petrol pump.
The fuel is now under control of Mizoram Government but the quantity of fuel left in the state is highly alarming.
This blockade in the NH-306 can also have severe consequences on COVID-19 management in Mizoram as essential medical equipment which are sent from other parts of the country can not reach the state.
Such blockade of National Highway by some “miscreants” under the influence of state government is highly condemnable, said H. Lalzirliana.
“Any National Highway in this country is the property of Central Government, nobody is authorised to block it at any point of time as per his own will,” he added.
He also pointed out earlier instances of such incidents, referring to the disruption of two railways tracks in the Hailakandi district of Assam which leads to the only railway station in Mizoram, Bairabi.
A truck carrying oxygen generation plant material for emergency situation of several hospitals of Mizoram has been halted in Assam and has not yet reached the state.
“Not only this, it is unfortunate that they are alos blocking essential commodity vehicle carried through Tripura state which is also blocked. Their intention is very clear which is very unfortunate,” added H. Lalzirliana.