Indefinite blockade of NH-54 in Mizoram

Aizawl, June 6 (PTI): A joint action committee (JAC) comprising of NGOs and student bodies of Kolasib district today started an indefinite blockade of NH-54, considered lifeline of Mizoram.   The JAC said it called the indefinite blockade as as the people of Kolasib district were protesting the transfer of a surgeon from the district hospital without posting of a replacement.   The 850 km long national highway connects Assam and Mizoram and the blockade, if prolonged, could create problem in availability of essential commodities.   The Superintendent of Police of Kolasib, C Lalzahngova said the blockade which began early this morning was completely peaceful and without any untoward incident.   Lalzahngova told PTI over phone that a large number of vehicles both coming from Aizawl and Assam were stranded due to the blockade.   The JAC said the blockade would continue even at night till their demands were made.   Meanwhile, ruling Congress party leaders said that there was another surgeon in the district hospital and the blockade was uncalled for.   State health minister Lal Thanzara expressed the hope that shortage of doctors would soon be solved after the recruitment of 26 doctors by the state public service commission and the process of recruitment was going on.