DERGAON, Aug 22 � The indefinite economic blockade against Nagaland on NH-39 entered the fifth day today without any immediate solution in sight.
In this connection, a meeting between the DCs and SPs of Golaghat and Dimapur was held at Golaghat Circuit House today. But according to information, the talks failed to find any solution to the issue. On the other hand, the camp of Assam Rifles was withdrawn from Garhbasti leading to the villagers of the periphery areas spending sleepless nights. But the Assam Government has shown indifference on the matter, the villagers alleged.
It is pertinent to mention that following the encroachment in the Garhbasti area at Merapani in Golaghat district, an indefinite economic blockade against Nagaland was started by five organisations from August 18. The members of Golaghat district units of AJYCP, KMSS, ATTSA, MASS and Anusuchit Chatra Santha started this blockade at Rangajan on NH-39. As a result, several goods-carrying trucks, etc., have remained stranded on the road. According to the protesters, the blockade will last till the government takes practical initiatives to free the land from the Nagaland.
With the economic blockade continuing, Nagaland is likely to face a complex situation in the coming days of scarcity of food items, etc. The protesters also shouted slogans against the State government for its indifferent role in the matter of encroachment. The protesters as well as the residents of Merapani area have condemned the utter negligence of the government on the matter.
On the other hand, the situation of Merapani in Golaghat district is still tense following the incident of alleged encroachment of 250 bighas of Assam land by Nagaland for foramation of alleged Greater Nagalim.
Our Jorhat Correspondent adds: Tension prevails in the entire Merapani area after some Naga miscreants burnt down the house of one Rabi Gogoi, a resident of Garbasti, Merapani last night at 11. Yesterday, the incident occurred after the neutral force left the disputed place in the evening.
The 12-hour Golaghat district bandh called by Brihattar Asamiya Yuba Mancha today affected the normal life in the district, particularly in the Dhansiri subdivision.
The economic blockade carried out against Nagaland entered the 5th day today. The protesters at Rangajan took out a procession on the NH-30 at about 11am today. On the other hand, the protesters at Merapani conducted a demonstration taking a stick in their hands to give the message that they would take the responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the people in the border areas by themselves. The people demanded deployment of the police force at the disputed area for the protection of the lives and property of the people which the government failed to provide.
