Assam: Highway blockade against plan to expand Guwahati

GUWAHATI: The All Tiwa Students’ Union (ATSU) and 13 other organisations, concerned over the violation of land rights of indigenous communities, on Friday blocked National Highway 37 protesting against the state government plan to expand the capital city to Jagiroad in the east.
The students’ body staged protests at Jorabat and Sonapur in Guwahati, Jagirod in Morigaon and Raha in Nagaon demanding the state government roll back its plan.
Diapk Amsong, president of ATUS, said, “The decision of the state government, if implemented, will violate the rights of indigenous people. The people will lose their land rights as their land will be taken over for the construction of an eight-lane national highway to connect Jagirod with Guwahati. Consequently, they will face existential threat.”
He said the chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who recently made the announcement to expand the capital, is responsible for ensuring the land rights of the indigenous people.
He urged the CM to reconsider the plan and ensure the safety and security of the indigenous communities. “The ATSU and other organisations, which have extended support to the body, will continue protesting until the government rolls back its plan,” he added.
Several workers were detained by the police during the protests at Raha, Jagirod, Jorabat and Sonapur. Huge traffic congestion for several hours was seen on the national highway due to the protests. Vehicular movement was diverted by the traffic police in Guwahati.