Assam Police ‘assault’ Mizo JCB operator, Kolasib DC writes to Hailakandi counterpart

Tensions flared up at the Assam Mizoram border again after Mizoram Police accused Assam police personnel of assaulting a Mizo resident.

Deputy Commissioner, Kolasib district Dr H Lalthlangliana in a letter to Deputy Commissioner Hailakandi district, Assam referred to an incident from Thursday afternoon.

“It has been brought to my notice based on a reliable report that this afternoon at Aitlang in Pu Lalngaisanga’s land where road construction connecting jhum land is undertaken by the farmers using Excavator JCB Reg. No. MZ05 A 4464, Assam Police went to disrupt their activity and damaged the door of Excavator and snatched the keys from the JCB operator Pu Lalnarammawia,” the Kolasib DC said in a letter to the Deputy Commissioner Hailakandi District, Assam.

The Kolasib DC alleged that the JCB operator was blindfolded and kidnapped with a gun pointed to his head by the Assam Police wearing Commando uniform. “He was then dragged by the river, ripped off his clothes and threatened for his life. His mobile Phone along with JCB keys was taken by the Assam Police,” the DC added in a letter.

“This is considered a very serious issue and a huge setback towards the initiatives for peace until now; and can further aggravate using forces between the deployed forces around this area. I, therefore, urge your immediate intervention as District Magistrate into the situation and to take necessary action towards these perpetrator(s) as well as to positively return the items taken away by the Assam Police to the JCB Owner and Operator at the earliest,” the DC said.

In July, tensions between Assam and Mizoram flared up to such an extent that on July 26, six Assam Police personnel died. Although calm since then, the two states continue to have recurring issues.