Assam- Mizoram Border Flare-Up : Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Tweets, Admits 6 Assam Policemen Killed, 50 Injured In Clashes

Picture : Twitter / ANI

At least six Assam Police personnel were killed while defending the ‘constitutional boundary’ of the state with Mizoram and more than 60 people injured, including a superintendent police, as the festering border dispute between the two northeastern states erupted into a bloody conflict.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the chief ministers of Assam and Mizoram, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Zoramthanga respectively, and urged them to ensure peace along the disputed border and find an amicable settlement.

Assam’s Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi share a 164 km long border with Mizoram’s three districts of Aizawl, Kolasib and Mamit.

After allegations of encroachment of territory by both sides over the past few weeks and skirmishes that escalated tensions between the two states, violent clashes were reported along the inter-state border that ended in the death of at least six Assam policemen.

The incidents came two days after Amit Shah held talks with the chief ministers of eight northeastern states and underscored the need to resolve lingering border disputes.

‘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,’ Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted.

Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana, in a statement, claimed Mizoram Police responded ‘spontaneously by firing back’ at Assam Police after its 200 personnel forcibly crossed a duty post manned by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and indulged in arson, assault on unarmed persons and firing.

Though Sarma initially did not blame Mizoram police for the killing of the six policemen, he later tweeted, ‘Clear evidences are now beginning to emerge that unfortunately show that Mizoram Police has used Light Machine Guns (LMG) against personnel of @assampolice.’This is sad, unfortunate and speaks volumes about the intention and gravity of the situation.’