Mizoram's NH-306 Standoff: Land Disputes & Protests

In Mizoram, traffic on National Highway-306 remains unaffected despite protests by the Kolasib District Land Owners' Association over land ownership disputes. Over 2,000 landowners have launched an indefinite blockade demanding resolution and the lifting of a freeze on their lands. Police deployment ensured stability amid minor scuffles.

Mizoram's NH-306 maintained steady traffic flow on Wednesday amid protests by landowners in Kolasib district over land ownership issues. Vehicles continued using the highway, the state's critical link with Assam.

According to police officials, landowners began obstructing NH-306 at Sethawn. However, significant police presence ensured that traffic movement remained smooth.

The Kolasib District Land Owners' Association (KDLOA) organized an indefinite blockade, with over 2,000 landowners demanding the resolution of land disputes and the lifting of a freeze on what they claim are privately owned lands.

The KDLOA stated that their long-held lands along NH-306 and NH-6, between Vairengte and Mualkhang, have been classified as Roadside Reserve Forest (RRF) by the state forest department since 2020, effectively freezing these properties.

The Centre had previously sanctioned a widening project for NH-306 and NH-6 in the Aizawl district, with the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) assigned for the execution. However, the project faces delays due to disputes between the state forest and revenue departments.

In response, the Supreme Court instructed the Gauhati High Court to fast-track its decision on the RRF notification within three months. It also suggested a meeting between Mizoram's chief secretary and the secretaries of the forest and revenue departments to resolve the issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)