Kolasib, Sept 19:  The Land Owners’ Association of Kolasib district in Mizoram has imposed an indefinite blockade on National Highways 306 and 6 starting at 6 a.m. on September 26. The blockade, which has disrupted the primary route connecting Mizoram’s capital Aizawl to Silchar in Assam, is part of ongoing protests demanding the resolution of land ownership disputes that have been simmering for over three years.

The highways are vital to Mizoram, serving as the only supply route for essential goods entering the state. The landowners claim that the state government, through its forest department, has wrongfully designated their lands along the highways as “Roadside Reserve Forest” under a 1965 notification. This move, they argue, was made to facilitate the expansion of the highways to four lanes, and it affects 800 meters of land on either side of the highways.

According to the association, the government’s action overlooks the fact that these lands have been used by residents for over five decades for housing, farming, and other purposes. The association is calling on the Mizoram government to revoke the 1965 notification and lift restrictions on the privately owned lands. They are also urging the state to expedite the four-laning project for both highways.

The blockade has further strained transportation in Mizoram, which was already facing disruptions. Rail services on the Bhairabi-Sairang route have been suspended since August 21 due to floods and landslides. Despite ongoing efforts to restore the railway, the bad condition of NH-306 and NH-6 has made the transport of fuel and other essential goods increasingly difficult. Truck drivers report that the Kawnpui-Sairang section of the highways has deteriorated to the point where fuel transport is nearly impossible.