DIPHU, Nov 17 - The indefinite phase of economic blockade against Nagaland by more than 15 organizations of Karbi Anglong began this morning. The picketers have blocked National Highway 36 and 39 at two different entry points leading to Dimapur, the main commercial hub of Nagaland.
According to information received, hundreds of volunteers with banners of Karbi Students� Association, Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad and a number of civil organizations of Karbi Anglong blocked the national highway at Dillai and Sariahajan of Bokajan subdivision, barring entry of goods trucks and other vehicles from entering Nagaland.
It�s significant to mention here that since 2013 Daldali central reserved forest, notified in 1923 adjacent to present Dimapur district of Nagaland, has allegedly been encroached upon by people from across the inter-State border. Claims and counterclaims by both the States resulted in a number of border skirmishes. The entire reserved forest area is under the jurisdiction of Lahorijan, Rangapahar and Shankar Tila Border Police outposts of Assam.
As alleged by various organizations recently, a civil organization titled, United Tribal Welfare Society, having membership from both Nagaland and Karbi Anglong constructed a road inside the reserve forest and put up a number of huts. Arrangements for power connection has been made and inter-State border pillars have been removed. They have also alleged that the Nagaland government has issued land documents to the illegal settlers.
It may be mentioned here that a few months back, Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council held a meeting with various civic organizations and government officers to sort out the issue and constituted a committee. Karbi Anglong District Congress has criticized BJP for the entire situation and its spokesperson has squarely blamed Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and State government for failing in securing its land. AJYCP has demanded mediation by the Central government to settle the border-related issues among Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Karbi Anglong and Dimapur held an official-level discussion on the vexed issue today. According to reliable sources, both the administrations have agreed to maintain status quo in the disputed area and maintain congenial atmosphere in the border areas. Till the filing of this report, no untoward incident has taken place in any place.
