Mizoram Highway Blockade: Landowners to Block NH-306 Indefinitely

Over 2,000 landowners in Kolasib district, Mizoram, plan to indefinitely block NH-306, cutting off the state's connectivity, due to unresolved land ownership issues and an outdated forest notification. Despite numerous meetings with government officials, their grievances remain unaddressed. Essential services will be exempted from the blockade.

In a significant development, over 2,000 landowners in Kolasib district, Mizoram, have announced an indefinite blockade of NH-306, effectively severing the state's connectivity with the rest of the country. The decision comes after unresolved meetings with the state government regarding land ownership issues along the highway, as stated by a leader of their association.

The landowners demand the government resolve the ownership disputes and lift the freezing order on their lands. They are also calling for the repeal of a 1965 Roadside Reserve Forest notification. Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Kolasib District Land Owners' Association, James Vanlalringa, said the agitation is a last resort after three years of inaction from the authorities.

Vanlalringa claims that approximately 2,300-2,500 people own land along NH-306 and NH-6, which are considered Mizoram's lifelines, connecting the state with Assam and beyond. Despite the Centre's approval for widening these highways, disputes between the state Forest Department and the Revenue Department have stalled the project. While essential services vehicles will be exempt from the blockade, the government has urged the landowners to call off their protest pending a legal resolution.

(With inputs from agencies.)