GUWAHATI: The Assam-Mizoram border remained tensed as both the parties have not yielded on their stand. Local residents at the border Lailapur in Cachar district blockaded the national highway to Mizoram. They demanded that the encroached land of Assam should be returned immediately. Vehicles were stopped from entering Mizoram from the Assam side.
It is to be mentioned that around two kilometers of land belonging to Assam is still occupied by the Mizoram Police and they have been accused of destroying the flora and fauna.
“The land that they have occupied is ours. It is a sad situation for us. This is Assam’s forest land. They say it belongs to them. We have asked the authorities to come over and check for themselves,” said one of the protestors.
Mizoram had earlier given consent to pull out its forces from the area. A high-level meeting was held between the officials of both the states and attended by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (in-charge of North East) Satyendra Kumar Garg.
On 18th October, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal spoke to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga over the phone and discussed the situation at the states’ border. It was followed by official level talks between Mizoram and Assam.
Violent clashes broke out at the Assam-Mizoram border in Cachar district on the evening of 17th October. Next day, Assam Excise, Forests and Environment and Fisheries Minister Parimal Suklabaidya visited the area and took stock of the situation.