DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 19 (MExN): Mariani-based civil society has announced an indefinite road blockade at the Sonowal stretch of the Mariani-Mokokchung road beginning February 20. The blockade was jointly called by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) and All Assam Tea Tribes’ Students Association (AATTSA), informed a press release from the Border Peace Coordination Committee - Assam-Nagaland (BPCC – A-N). The release stated that the organisations have been demanding the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to repair and improve the Mariani-Mokokchung sector for the past one year to no avail. “During last year too, the civil organisations have resorted to road blockades to impress the higher authority for a prompt action but except assurances, the BRO did nothing.”
With the BRO remaining unresponsive, the organisations on February 18 locked the BRO office at New Sonowal, which is located a few kms beyond Mariani town towards the Tsutepela Nagaland Police checkpost. The organisations subsequently announced an indefinite road closure at the said stretch of road beginning Saturday morning. In view of the situation, the BPCC – A-N informed travellers to avoid taking the road starting from Mariani Zero Point to New Sonowal till the blockade is lifted. School children, fire and medical services and press are exempt. The Amguri Road leading to Sonari and Tuli will however remain open.
