Truckers Block Assam-Mizoram Highway for Third Day Over Harassment Claims
Truck drivers in Assam's Cachar district continue a blockade on the Mizoram-bound highway, alleging harassment and demanding safety guarantees before resuming freight movement.
A protest by truck drivers and transport workers at Lailapur in Assam's Cachar district entered its third day on Tuesday, bringing commercial traffic on the key interstate route to Mizoram to a standstill. More than 100 drivers have parked their vehicles across the highway, blocking the movement of goods towards the neighbouring state.
The agitation began on Sunday over allegations of harassment and intimidation faced by drivers operating on the Assam-Mizoram route. Transporters say they have repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of their personnel and vehicles, and are now demanding written assurances from the authorities before allowing freight movement to resume.
Tensions escalated on Tuesday when officials from the Cachar district administration arrived at the site and attempted to clear the road. Protesters resisted the move, placing heavy vehicles across the carriageway to reinforce the blockade. Police and civil administration personnel have been deployed in the area, and officials are holding talks with the agitators to resolve the standoff.
The disruption has raised concerns about the supply of essential commodities to Mizoram, which relies heavily on this road link for freight. The truckers have stated that they will maintain the blockade until both state governments address their grievances and put in place a mechanism to ensure the safe passage of commercial vehicles.