Silchar: Goods vehicle movement between Assam and Mizoram remained paralysed for a second day on Monday as the Barak Valley truckers continued their indefinite “steering down” agitation.The drivers, protesting alleged harassment of Assam truckers and restrictions on sand-laden vehicles entering Mizoram, have been demonstrating at Channighat in South Dholai along NH-306, the Silchar-Aizawl highway, since Sunday evening. Hundreds of Mizoram-bound trucks remained stranded.The Silchar Truck Drivers’ Association alleged that Assam-registered trucks, particularly those carrying sand, faced repeated obstruction in Mizoram. It claimed that transport bodies, including the All Mizoram Commercial Tipper Association and the Mizoram Tipper Association, prevented the vehicles from reaching their destinations. Drivers alleged they were sometimes forced to unload their consignments and return to Assam.They also alleged harassment, intimidation and threats in Mizoram.The association said it submitted representations to Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and the district commissioners of the three Barak Valley districts. It sought clarification on any official restrictions on interstate transportation of sand and goods, as well as measures to ensure the safety and unhindered movement of Assam drivers.The protesters said the agitation followed the failure to secure administrative intervention. NH-306 connects Mizoram with Assam and carries essential commodities and supplies.They said the protest would continue until Assam truckers were allowed unhindered movement and measures were taken to stop the alleged harassment.“We want free and safe movement of our vehicles and drivers. The agitation will continue until the issue is resolved,” a protesting driver said.
