Assam: IWAI Dhubri port on verge of closure due to alleged hooliganism by private firm A-Z Exim

A private firm, A to Z Exim, is accused of blocking the main entrance to the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Dhubri port. A banner reading 'restricted area no entry without permission' has been erected, causing concern among locals and exporters. 

The impact on the Brahmaputra river route's trade system with Bangladesh remains uncertain. Bhutan, India, and Bangladesh are reportedly suffering significant losses due to halted exports at the IWAI Port in Dhubri. Exporters allege that a nexus of politicians is overpowering the IWAI Port in Dhubri.

They claim that A to Z Exim, a Mumbai-based company that leased the port, is behaving arbitrarily and illegally collecting gunda-tax. The firm has additionally been accused of charging higher prices than those set by the government for loading and exporting coal and stones to Bangladesh.

Six CNF's are currently stationed at Dhubri Port, with 15 to 20 exporters working there. The exporters have stopped their work at the shipyard, protesting against A to Z Exim company's hooliganism.

On November 18, an FIR was filed by Moniruz Zaman, a manager of one of the exporters, naming eight individuals: Sohel Kazani, Elina Ahmed, Jasbir Singh, Atwar Rahman, Anshuman Phukan, Rijumani Talukdar, Zahid Khandkar, and Zahid Khandkar.

Following the FIR, Dhubri police arrested two local persons, however, the alleged mastermind Sohel Kazani, Elina Ahmed, captain Jasbir Singh, Atwar Rahman, Rijumani Talukdar and Anshuman Phukan, son of renowned Assam actor Biju Phukan, remain free. The future of the trade system along the river route with Bangladesh is uncertain, raising questions about the government's next steps.

Also read : Arunachal: Two workers abducted from Longding district by armed NSCN (K-YA) militants released