Mizoram faces essentials' scarcity as highway blockade enters 4th day

Aizawl: The land-locked state of Mizoram remained cut-off by road from the rest of the country for the fourth consecutive day on Friday.

This happened due to an indefinite blockade, on the National Highway 54, called by the NGOs and student bodies protesting against the transfer of a doctor from a district hospital.

It is worth mentioning that the National Highway 54, situated at Kolasib on the state's border with Assam is considered as Mizoram's lifeline.

The police stated that hundreds of goods-laden trucks, passenger buses and small vehicles were stranded on both sides of Kolasib town, 85 km from Aizawl.

Kolasib police chief C. Lalzahngova, however, said the blockade was peaceful.

According to the Food and Civil Supplies Department, scarcity of essentials have hit many parts of Mizoram. "Following the state government's order, petrol and diesel are being rationed by petrol pumps," stated a department official.

Surface links between Mizoram and the rest of India were snapped since Tuesday due to the blockade of the 850-km-long NH 54, that links the state with Assam.

A Joint Action Committee (JAC) of local NGOs and student bodies was spearheading the agitation.

The police official quoting the agitators said the indefinite highway blockade was called following the transfer of a senior doctor from the Kolasib District Hospital without posting a substitute.

Mizoram Health Minister Lal Thanzara hoped the shortage at the hospital would be resolved soon after the recruitment of 26 doctors by the State Public Service Commission. The recruitment process was on.