Mizoram: Commercial Vehicles to Boycott NH-306 in Protest of Poor Conditions

AIZAWL: Commercial vehicles, including trucks transporting essential goods, will boycott NH-306 starting Monday as a demonstration against the deplorable state of the road, according to a spokesperson on Sunday. NH-306 connects Mizoram with Assam's Silchar.

The joint action committee, representing various associations such as the Mizoram Truck Owners' Association (MTOA), Mizoram Truck Drivers' Association (MTDA), Mizoram Tipper Owners' Association & Drivers Association (MTA), Mizoram Oil Tanker Drivers' Association, and Kolasib District Driver Welfare Association, has jointly decided to halt vehicular movement on the highway from 7 a.m. on Monday to protest the deteriorating road conditions, stated MTOA President B Lalzarzova.

Lalzarzova clarified that no commercial vehicles, including those carrying essential goods and passengers, will operate between Vairengte and Sairang. Vehicles transporting essential commodities between Mizoram and Manipur will also be restricted from using the route.

NH-306 has become perilous for vehicles due to its pothole-riddled condition, explained Lalzarzova. He further elaborated that this protest came about because their repeated appeals to the state government for road repairs had gone unanswered.

In response to the situation, Chief Minister Zoramthanga conducted a meeting on Saturday with state Public Works Department (PWD) officials and leaders of the joint action committee. During the meeting, an official statement reported that immediate measures would be taken to repair the road. The meeting also decided to temporarily restrict heavy vehicle movement on the road to facilitate uninterrupted repair work.

In other state news, the government of Mizoram, led by Chief Minister Zoramthanga of the MNF party, has chosen not to comply with the directive issued by the BJP-led central government. The directive pertained to the collection of biometric data from Myanmar refugees who have sought refuge in the state. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, as confirmed by Mizoram Minister Lalruatkima.

Minister Lalruatkima explained that the collection of biometric data from Myanmar refugees would be considered discriminatory, as these refugees are regarded as kindred brothers and sisters by the state.

Also Read: Mizoram Rejects MHA Directive on Biometric Data Collection from Myanmar Refugees

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