Border dispute with Mizoram is not political, says Assam CM Sarma

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday that clashes at its border with Mizoram was “not a political issue” but a long-standing dispute between the two states. This is a boundary dispute between two states. Sarma added that three battalions of commandos would be deployed in Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi districts bordering Mizoram to quell violence. Sarma further stated that he ordered a probe into the incident and find where civilians procured arms and ammunition from. The chief minister also visited Silchar Medical College and Hospital to meet the injured state police personnel.

Meanwhile, the Assam government has declared a three-day mourning in view of violence at Mizoram border in which six people were killed. The move has been announced as a mark of respect to the cops and a civilian who died in Monday's clashes. “The state government of Assam expresses its profound sorrow at the sad demise of five Assam Police personnel and one civilian at Lailapur of Cachar district while defending the borders of Assam on July 26, 2021. As a mark of respect to the departed souls, the Government of Assam has declared state mourning for three days with effect from July 27,” an official order from the Assam government said. Due to the mouring, the national flag would be flown at half-mast where it is regularly flown and no public entertainment will be permitted for three days.

More than 50 people were injured in the border clashes which broke out over the encroachment issue in the border areas. The dispute has been going on for decades and this is not the first time that clashes took place along the Assam-Mizoram border. However, Monday’s episode has been the most violent till now. The Assam government issued a statement where it urged Mizoram to restrain its citizens and the police from indulging in wanton violence and work towards restoring peace. “The government of Assam is committed to maintaining cordial relations and peace, while restoring neighbourly relations,” the statement added.