New Delhi: Weeks after a deadly border conflict between Assam and Mizoram claimed the lives of six police personnel and a civilian, a fresh incident of firing has been reported from the disputed Aitlang Tlangpui area that borders the two states.
Following the incident, Kolasib Deputy Commissioner Dr H Lalthlangliana wrote to his Hailakandi (Assam) counterpart and appealed to him to look into the matter. Lalthlangliana sought immediate action as such incidents carry the potential to escalate tension besides creating law and order issues. "...Your kind cooperation towards maintaining peace at the interstate border is solicited," the letter addressed to Hailkandi deputy commissioner said.
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ETV Bharat possesses a copy of the letter written by Lalthlanglian. It states that three local residents - Lalchhandama, Lalduhawmi and Vanlalrovi, all residents of Hall Veng, Vairengte - were called up by Nibus, a resident of Bilaipur to meet at Aitlang Tlangpui to take the normal supply of meat at around 2 a.m. "On reaching the place, they heard a loud whistle from Nibus. However, on whistling back, the Assam Police, who were on duty, immediately opened fire towards them. They sustained minor injuries and were taken to Vairengte Community Health Centre for medical treatment," H Lalthlangliana said. He said the information has been reported to the Superintendent of Police, Kolasib. A criminal case is registered under Vairengte PS.
Talking to ETV Bharat over telephone, Lalthlangliana claimed that the incident was totally unprovoked. "The Assam Police should restrain themselves so that any more conflict between the two states can be avoided," he said, adding that the civilians from Mizoram sustained minor injuries.
It may be mentioned here that both Assam and Mizoram police exchanged sweets on the occassion of Independence Day at the Lailapur border. Lailapur had witnessed an armed border conflict between both the sides on July 26 after the Assam Police and civilians allegedly encroached upon and captured Mizoram Police outpost at Lailapur. Following the incident, the chief ministers of both the states held back-to-back meetings, followed by meetings of other senior officials, to restore normalcy in the region.
CRPF, a neutral force, has been deployed in the disputed area to avoid further conflicts.
