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Dimapur, Oct. 13 (EMN): The Assam Sand Suppliers and Truck Owners’ Association, Dimapur (Asstoad) on Tuesday lifted the total ban on supply of sand in the district.
The ban, in force since September 30, was imposed due to the steep hike in the price of sand imported from Assam.
This was informed at a press conference organised by Asstoad officials in Dimapur on Tuesday.
According to Aasstoad officials, after a meeting with the 15 mahaldars in Assam, they reached a consensus on the price of sand and fixed it at INR 32 per cft at the source (Assam).
They further informed that only after the meeting with the district administration on October 14, the price for the consumers in the state will be fixed.
Mahalders from Assam were also present at the press conference besides the Asstoad members. They informed that they are not part of any association who have made agreements with the different sand suppliers in the district.
One of the members from Assam mahalders, Thang Teron, informed that for the past six months they were not able to run their business due to this pandemic as well as the bandh called by Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), which was only lifted on October 9.
Teron added that the present price at the source is subjected to changes in the future. This, he said, was due to the lack of a 'particular approach road' and they have to pay road tax to the landowners as well as village authority.
Asstoad finance secretary Deon Swu said that from October 14, the suppliers can continue their business, but cautioned that the suppliers should buy the sand from genuine mahaldars in Assam. Swu also informed truck owners, who have not yet registered with the association, to do it by October 15.