Adivasis block NH-31 to protest killings in Assam

KISHANGANJ: Scores of vehicles remained stranded as hundreds of tribal men and women armed with bows, arrows and other traditional weapons today blocked National Highway (NH) 31 in the district to protest the killings of Adivasis by Bodo militants in Assam.

The Adivasis assembled outside the collectorate and court premises in the morning before blocking the national highway, considered a vital route connecting the North East to the rest of the country, Deputy Superintendent of Police Mohammad Qasim said.

"We called for additional forces and tried to persuade their leader Robi Marandi to withdraw the agitation and clear the national highway. They refused to lift the blockade and said they will continue it till the evening. They have, however, allowed ambulances to pass through," the DSP said.

Passenger and goods transportation was stopped resulting in over 10 km long traffic jam on both sides of the place of blockade. The situation started becoming normal only after the blockade was lifted around 3.30 PM after persuasion, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Mahesh Prasad said.