Assam: ATSA launches indefinite road blockade over illegal stone quarrying in Nazira

An indefinite road blockade has been launched by the Assam Tea Tribal Students' Association (ATSA) at Bihubar Augurijan under the Nazira circle. The protest, organised by ATSA’s Nazira branch, is aimed at halting alleged illegal activities in the Bihubar Augurijan Tea Garden.

According to ATSA representatives, the blockade will continue until eviction measures are initiated and ongoing stone quarrying operations in the tea garden are brought to an immediate stop. The organisation has also submitted a memorandum to the local commissioner outlining its demands and concerns.

ATSA has alleged that illegal and large-scale stone extraction is being carried out in the disputed Assam–Nagaland border area, particularly within the Bihubar Augurijan Tea Garden. The group claims that certain businessmen, in collaboration with alleged stone mafias, have been engaged in quarrying activities, including cutting down tea plants to facilitate extraction.

The association further stated that the situation has been exacerbated by the presence of armed miscreants from across the border. According to ATSA, these groups had earlier opposed the establishment of a Border Outpost in the area, compelling the Assam administration to withdraw and subsequently asserting territorial claims over the land.

ATSA alleged that the current situation has enabled illegal quarrying networks to operate without restraint. Despite multiple complaints lodged earlier, the association claims that no effective action has been taken against those involved.

The organisation has warned that the road blockade will continue indefinitely unless concrete steps are taken by the authorities to address the issue, including eviction of those engaged in illegal activities and restoration of administrative control in the area.