Assam-Mizoram Border Dispute Turns Violent, 6 Assam Cops Killed; Amit Shah Intervenes

Amit Shah has spoken to CMs of Assam and Mizroram over the ongoing border row between the two states and asked them to ensure peaceful resolution of the dispute. 

New Delhi: At least six personnel of Assam Police were killed in firing by miscreants from Mizoram along the inter-state border in Cachar district amid the ongoing violence. The information was shared by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

According to reports, 50 other officials of the Assam Police were injured and were admitted to Silchar Medical College after the situation turned ugly with the festering border dispute between the two northeastern states.

"I am deeply pained to inform that six brave jawans of @assampolice have sacrificed their lives while defending constitutional boundary of our state at the Assam-Mizoram border. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," tweeted Sarma.

A senior Assam Police official, who is still posted along the border where violence is taking place, told news agency PTI that at least 50 personnel, including Cachar Superintendent of Police Nimbalkar Vaibhav Chandrakan, were injured in firing and stone-pelting.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to CMs of Assam and Mizroram over the ongoing border row between the two states and asked them to ensure peaceful resolution of the dispute. 

During his separate telephonic conversations with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga, Shah asked them to maintain peace along the inter-state border where tension prevails, sources close to news agency PTI said.

Reportedly, the Home Minister has asked the Chief Ministers of both states to resolve the border issue mutually.

Both chief ministers have assured the home minister that the needful will be done to ensure peace and resolve the border issue amicably. Sources have also said that Police forces from both states are expected to return from the disputed site.

Meanwhile, Assam Home Minister Lalchamliana claimed that around 200 Assam armed Police led by IGP, Assam came to Vairengte Auto-rickshaw stand today and forcibly crossed duty post manned by CRPF personnel stationed there and overran a duty post manned by Mizoram police.

Lalchamliana even said that unarmed civilians of Mizoram were assaulted by Assam Police by lathi-charging them and firing tear gas, causing injuries to several civilians.

He also alleged that tear gas grenades were launched at Mizoram Police followed by firing from Assam side. Even Mizoram Police responded spontaneously by firing back at Assam Police despite the fact that SP, Kolasib district was inside CRPF duty camp negotiating with Assam Police.

A tense situation prevailed along the disputed Assam-Mizoram border following clashes while Chief Ministers of the two states were locked in a war of words on Twitter earlier in the day.