In an important development with regards to tensions along the Assam-Mizoram border, Mizoram Chief Secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo said Mizoram Police will be replaced by Border Security Force (BSF) at the Assam-Mizoram border.
Additionally, the stranded trucks will be released as Assam will call off the barring of National Highway tonight (November 8).
At a press briefing held on November 8, 2020, the Mizoram Chief Secretary stated that during a video conference held between Union Home Secretary, Assam Chief Secretary, and Home Secretary, and Mizoram Chief Secretary and Home Secretary on the afternoon of October 8, 2020, three companies of the BSF will be stationed at various border towns on Mizoram side.
Assam and Mizoram share 164.6. km border which has been contested since Mizoram became a Union Territory in 1972. Since 1994, several rounds of talks have taken place but none have resulted in any agreement to date.
Since October 18, 2020, the Union Home Secretary and Mizoram Chief Secretary have been in daily contact to ease the tension between Assam and Mizoram over the border dispute. At present, three companies of BSF have reached Mizoram.
These three companies of BSF will be stationed at the border towns- Vairengte: 1 company and 1 platoon, Saihapui V: 2 platoons; and Thinghlun: 1 company.
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Assam has been demanding for State Police on both sides to be withdrawn to which the Mizoram government has been unable to comply at first due to the security concerns for Mizos living at the bordering towns of Assam. This is also because the farmhouses and crops of a Mizo farmer at Mamit bordering -Karimganj district was burnt down by Assam officials last month.
Mizoram Chief Secretary stated that the contested boundary can only be resolved through dialogue and negotiation. He added that the agenda of the day’s video conference with the Union Home Secretary is the partial withdrawal of forces by Mizoram and clearing of the National Highway by Assam, adding that Mizoram will withdraw its forces only after BSF personnel take up their posts.
Also Read: Assam-Mizoram border tense after death of an alleged drug peddler
Mizoram Chief Secretary also expressed his regrets and condolences over the death of Imtiaz Ali Laskar while in the custody of Mizoram police at Vairengte; and the two bomb blasts that occurred at a school at Phainuam, both within Kolasib district of Assam-Mizoram border. Cases have been registered with the Mizoram police as both incidents occurred within the Mizoram boundary. The Mizoram police are currently carrying out investigations.
