DIMAPUR, June 7 (NNN): The All Assam Adivasi Students Association (AAASA), Karbi Anglong District Committee`s sponsored indefinite economic blockade against Nagaland has been lifted today.
The AAASA had imposed indefinite economic blockade since 5 am of Thursday against Nagaland at Bokajan area in protest against the killing of an Adivasi man on June 3 following an exchange of gun fire between the Nagas and the Adivasi community at Mariani area in the Assam-Nagaland border.
Over 300 goods trucks stranded at Bokajan area bound for Nagaland as well as Manipur started moving towards their respective destinations this afternoon few hours after the AAASA announcement to lift the blockade.
The killing of one Adivasi man identified as Sanjay Bhumji in the exchange of gun fire between the Nagas and the Adivasis at Mokokchung area on June 3 has prompted several Adivasi organisations to impose blockade against Nagaland in three different outlets–one at Mokokchung, the other at Mon and since today along National Highway 39 at Bokajan, Assam.
At Mokokchung, the Nagas themselves are imposing blockade against along the roads leading to Assam since June 4.
Since last month, tension has been brewing between Adivasis and Nagas in the Nagaland-Assam border of Mariani.
The Nagas have accused the Adivasis of encroaching on their land while the Adivasis countered that the Nagas were destroying their fields.
On June 3, villagers from across the borders had exchanged fire and a bullet hit Sanjay Bhumji`s chest. He was rushed to Jorhat Medical College but succumbed shortly.
This incident happened barely after a week of imposing blockade and counter blockade in the border area.
On May 27, under the banner of the All Assam Tea Tribes’ Students Association (AATTSA), the Adivasis had imposed blockade to Nagaland at Mariani area of Assam-Nagaland border accusing the Nagas of assaulting the some Adivasis.