Transporters from Assam suspend entry via NH-702D; issue partially resolved
MCCI urges authorities to involve business stakeholders in future decisions
Nagaland has intensified its implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system amid mounting pressure from civil society organizations and the ripple effects of the ongoing eviction drive in Assam’s Golaghat district. The move has triggered visible tension along the interstate border.
Goods trucks, hired vehicles, and tourist vehicles from Assam temporarily halted their entry into Nagaland via the Mariani–Mokokchung road (NH-702D) from July 30 to 31, citing discomfort and alleged harassment over Inner Line Permit (ILP) requirements.
It may be noted that NH-702D serves as a critical lifeline for several Nagaland districts including Mokokchung, Tuensang, Shamator, Longleng, Noklak, and Zunheboto.
Speaking to MT, one of the affected drivers clarified that the decision was not aimed at restricting Nagaland-registered or private passenger vehicles. “Only goods-carrying trucks, hired pick-ups, and tourist vehicles from Assam have refrained from entering due to the issues we’re facing,” he said.
The drivers alleged that they were being asked to produce ILPs with some even facing harassment and fines. Tourist vehicles ferrying passengers from Guwahati were reportedly also asked to furnish ILP, which they say becomes difficult during inter-state travel. Another point of concern raised was the lack of an ILP issuance system at the Tsutapela check gate on the Nagaland side.
“This has made things even more complicated for those of us just passing through,” said the driver.
He further remarked, “It’s understandable to check ILPs for passengers, but not for the driver and handyman who are simply transporting goods.”
When contacted, Mokokchung Superintendent of Police told MT that the issue has since been addressed. “After discussions with the drivers and our counterparts in Assam, we have clarified that drivers and handymen carrying essential goods are allowed to enter Nagaland as long as they have a valid driving license,” the SP stated.
He added that no further reports of obstruction have been received since the clarification was made.
According to the drivers, essential commodity carriers were allowed to enter Nagaland on July 31, given they have the valid license. However, Food Corporation of India (FCI) vehicles were reportedly told to make their own decision on whether to enter.
At the time of filing this report, online goods carriers and tourist vehicles from Assam remained on strike. Drivers expressed hope that a formal response from the Mokokchung District Administration would be issued by August 1, bringing the matter to a close.
Attempts to reach the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung for comment were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) has confirmed that certain goods, particularly perishable items and construction materials, are running out in the market as commercial trucks have not entered the district for three consecutive days due to the ongoing protest by commercial vehicle drivers. MCCI President Tsukti Longkumer told MT that the chamber is in coordination with its counterparts in Assam and that efforts are being made to ensure the immediate delivery of essential commodities to local markets. He also stressed the need to resolve the issue amicably and without further delay.
Longkumer noted that the ongoing intensification of ILP implementation is a necessary yet sensitive issue. Given its potential socio-economic ramifications, he expressed regret that the business community, represented by the MCCI, was not taken into confidence by the district administration. While appreciating the police for carrying out their directives, he expressed hope that the MCCI, as a primary stakeholder, would be consulted by the competent authorities on future issues affecting the socioeconomic environment.
