From Bhupen Goswami
GUWAHATI:The situation is yet to return to normal after the conflict along the Assam-Mizoram border. There has been no violent incident for the last two days but the situation is still tense. CRPF is also deployed in the area. It may be recalled that on Monday, there was a violent clash between police personnel of the two states along the Mizoram border with Cachar district of Assam.
When asked about the ongoing tension on the border with Mizoram, Assam Minister Parimal Shuklabaidya said, “The situation is tense but no violent incident has been reported for the last two days. CRPF personnel are also present in the area. Some people are still trying to enter the state. Our police and public are on alert. Meanwhile, there are reports of exodus of citizens from Tripura. 1500 people have migrated to Assam from Damchera in north Tripura bordering Mizoram.
The men have taken shelter in Karimganj district of Assam following a clash two days ago. Families of Halam and Charai tribes reportedly crossed the Longai river following clashes on the Assam-Mizoram border in Lailapur-Vairengte area. They have since taken shelter in the border villages of Assam. The Union Home Secretary held a meeting with the Chief Secretaries and DGPs of the two states on Wednesday on the border dispute between Assam and Mizoram. The meeting with top officials of Assam and Mizoram lasted for more than two hours. The meeting discussed maintaining peace along the disputed border between the two states. A formula has also been agreed upon. Home Ministry officials said both the state governments agreed to deploy a neutral force. Therefore, central force will be deployed in the disturbed Assam and Mizoram border areas along NH-306 under a senior officer of the Central Armed Police Force. The two State Governments also agreed to continue the discussion mutually to resolve the border issue amicably. According to sources, the Centre also expressed its concern over tension and violence between the states in the meeting and asked the states to settle the matter with maturity and harmony.
It may be recalled that police from the two states had clashed on the Assam-Mizoram border on Monday. The clash took place over the issue of encroachment between the two groups. Six Assam Police personnel were martyred. The chief ministers of both the states were embroiled in a debate on Twitter over the issue. The Home Minister had spoken to the Chief Ministers of both the states to resolve the issue. A meeting was also convened by the Home Secretary in this regard.