Mizoram police foiled attempts to block NH 54, the state's lifeline and Bairabi-Kolasib road and arrested 11 activists of the Mizo Students Union (MSU) in this connection, Kolasib district SP Lalbiakthanga Khiangte said on Friday.
The blockade was scheduled for Friday and seven student activists were arrested on Thursday night. Four others were arrested on Friday as they tried to organise pickets on the highways, Khiangte said.
Seven students were picked up at Vairengte on Thursday night after they threatened truck drivers in Lailapur and Bagha of Assam not to enter Mizoram and another four were arrested while trying to block the highways on Friday, he said.
The MSU and supporting associations had called for an indefinite economic blockade to protest the state government's decision to increase the retirement age of its employees from 58 years to 60 years.
The blockades were to be held at NH 54, the only lifeline linking the state with the rest of the country by road and the highway linking Bairabi, the lone railhead in the state.
Earlier, the state government said that it would take firm action against any attempts to close the highways and would clear them at any costs.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier, the state government said that it would take firm action against any attempts to close the highways and would clear them at any costs.
{{/usCountry}}District Magistrate of Kolasib district H Siku had already imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 Cr PC.