Mizoram, Assam trade charges of encroachment as inter-state border dispute escalates

In a new escalation of the border dispute between Assam and Mizoram, authorities from the Mizoram side have accused Assam of encroaching upon its territory in Kolasib district.

Kolasib SP Vanlalfaka Ralte has alleged that scores of officials and policemen led by Hailakandi DC and SP have been camping around 2.5 km inside Mizoram territory since last night.

Speaking to Northeast Live, SP Ralte said that even though the area in question known as Aitlang Hnar or the source of river Aitlang is disputed as per Assam, residents from the Mizoram side believe the land is well inside the state’s territory. The residents of Vairengte practice plantations in the area, which they claim belongs to Mizoram for decades, Ralte said.

SP Ralte also informed that both the Assam and Mizoram police are currently camping side by side in the disputed area to avoid further escalation. The Kolasib SP also informed that a Chief Secretary level talks between the two states is scheduled for July 9th, and the issue will be taken up in the meeting.

Meanwhile, reacting to the developments, the Kolasib Deputy Commissioner has said that it is difficult to find a solution to the issue at the district level and that the issue should be taken up at the highest level. The Kolasib DC, however, informed that the district administration is looking to ensure that the situation continues to remain normal and there is no further escalation.

As per reports from the Assam side, around 500 police personnel have been deployed at Dholsora in Bilaipur of Hailakandi along the inter-state border with Mizoram to avoid any escalation. Locals on the Assam side are accusing Mizo organizations of encroaching into several areas inside Assam territory.

However, police sources in Assam maintain that things are under control along the inter-state border with Mizoram. Officials from Assam side were not immediately available for comments on the incident.

It may be mentioned that the tension over inter-state border row had reached its peak last year forcing the MHA to intervene. Both Assam and Mizoram had then resolved to amicably settle the matter in presence of MHA joint secretary Satyendra Garg in October last year. Months later, there is no end to repeated escalations along the inter-state border.