Reeling under economic blockade, youth org. seeks speedy completion of Nagaland foothill road

Dimapur, Nov. 21 (EMN): Citing the ongoing economic blockade against Nagaland by some Assam-based organisations, the Tsurangkong Range Naga Youth Front (TRNYF) has reminded Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio of the need for early completion of the Nagaland foothill road construction.

In an open letter to the chief minister, the youth front stated that as long as the foothill road remains ‘a lip service’, Nagas residing along the border belt will continue to suffer economically and mentally at the hands of Assamese.

“…we are all aware that every major road leading to Nagaland starts from Assam, whether Dimapur, Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng or Mon districts. And ever since the beginning of border issues between Nagaland and Assam, the people living along the border belt have been subjected to undue harassment. Road blockades are enforced for trivial matters with the sole intention to derive advantage out of the Nagas. The present indefinite total blockade of Mariani-Mokokchung National Highway 702, restricting all Nagaland bound vehicles at New Sonowal reflects the ever-existing narrow and immature mindset led by some selfish leaders from Assam disrupting the peaceful co-existence of the two states,” the letter read.

It pointed out that the national highway is a national property, and the act of blockading national highways is illegal as per the National Highways Act 1956, sub-section 8(1).

“…it is beyond reasons as to why the government of Assam turns a blind eye against such illegal activities. The increasing highway blockades at the whims and fancy of every Tom, Dick and Harry in Assam with no action taken against such illegal blockades and its leaders have emboldened every Assam-based organisations/civil societies/groups to impose such bandhs against the Nagas.

“We are peaceful people but when our patience is taken for cowardice and our tolerance is considered as weakness, we have no other option but to stand up against such illegal activities and criminals. Ultimately we are convinced that it is an act of declaring war against us who are affected most by the total blockade of National Highway at New Sonowal. These cascading effects make us to believe that we can also survive without this NH 702 and intend to counter block the highway,” it added.