Guwahati, July 17: Hundreds of trucks loaded with potatoes have been stranded at the Assam-West Bengal border near Dhubri since Tuesday evening.

The blockade, enforced by West Bengal police at the Boxirhat Check Station near Chagolia, stems from a recent directive by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

One truck driver shared his frustration: “We have loaded potatoes from Bengal and came to know that the Bengal potato was banned in Assam. Since 6 pm yesterday, we are stranded at the Assam-West Bengal border. When we asked the police personnel why the trucks were stopped, they told us that they don’t know; they have got an order and they are following it. We are facing harassment due to the stopping of our truck.”

Truck drivers are left in a state of uncertainty. The blockade is likely to cause a price hike in Assam, as the disruption in supply will affect the availability of potatoes in the state. The situation remains tense, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting further directives from the authorities.

The Chief Minister’s ban on exporting potatoes to Assam aims to ensure West Bengal’s potato demand is met before any shipments cross state lines. This measure follows a significant rise in vegetable prices within West Bengal, prompting the state government to prioritize local supply.

The prolonged wait in hot weather threatens to spoil tonnes of potatoes, which come from various areas of West Bengal, mainly Falakata, Coochbehar, Dhupguri, and Mathabhanga. Both states seem to be engaging in politics over the potato supply issue, exacerbating the situation for the truck drivers and the general public.

Also Read: Justice Nongmeikapam Singh makes history, becomes Supreme Court’s 1st Judge from Manipur

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