Economic blockade imposed against Mizoram

 From Our Correspondent

 Silchar, April 27: Political leaders and social activists cutting across party affiliations imposed indefinite blockade today at Lailapur in Cachar district on NH 306 connecting Silchar with Aizawl in Mizoram against the intimidation and inhuman treatment, causing mental agony and threat to life and property of the non-Mizos in Mizoram.

 The blockade began at 6 am, causing disruption to the inter-state traffic.  Hundreds of trucks transporting various commodities including consumer items, inter-state buses and private vehicles were stranded since morning.

 The protesters called for immediate and effective steps to stop the mental and physical assault of the non-Mizos, engaged in various business and other activities in the interest of the local people.

  In order to ventilate the grievances of the affected people of Mizoram, the newly formed Forum for the Protection of Non-Mizos, a non-political platform of south Assam, while articulating their problems and difficulties stressed on the fact that it is in the true spirit of the Constitution and democratic tradition that the government of the state should ensure peaceful and harmonious living of all Indian communities and religious groups.

  It was reminded that Mizoram and south Assam have been maintaining cordial and cultural affinity for ages. Mizo people have been carrying on their business in south Assam without any fear. Students from the state are pursuing their studies in different educatiol institutions and Assam University without any disturbances or bias towards them. The civil society, social organizations and intellectuals of this valley have been disturbed by the information about the unfortute happenings in Mizoram involving in non-Mizos.

  Among other organisations took part in the protest today included Forum for the Protection of non-Mizos, Amora Bangalee, All Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi Students’ Association, Barak garik Sangsad, Cachar Truck Owners’ Association. Besides, Former Assam minister and South Karimganj MLA Siddeque Ahmed, Katigorah MLA Ataur Rehman Mazarbhuiya and North Karimganj MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha participated in the protest.

  The Forum for the Protection of Non-Mizos stated that the Bengali communities from this valley are being targeted and threatened and even asked to leave the state. Such intimidations are being carried out by student and youth bodies under the banner of MZP (Mizo Zirlawi Pawl) and MTP (Mizo Thalai Pawl), pointed out the Forum.   Of concern is that non-Mizo traders are forced to shut down their shutters without any justification. There are also incidents of shops and other business establishments being looted by the hooligans backed by MZP and MTP. All these are taking place under the very nose of the administration. Non-Mizo labourers are also targeted and not allowed to work in the state. As Indian citizens, they have every right to do their business and work anywhere in the country.

  Assam based organisations threatened to continue the blockade if the harassment of non-Mizos in Mizoram are not stopped.