From Bhupen Goswami
GUWAHATI :The situation on the Assam-Mizoram border remains tense as both the states have beefed up security in the border areas to prevent encroachments from both sides. Mizoram Deputy Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Lalbikathanga Khiyangate said the situation is very volatile as both the forces can join the armed conflict at any time if one side tries to encroach on the other’s territory. He said both the states have occupied their respective territories.
Army on both sides of the border to prevent encroachments. Dig Khiengte, who is currently camping in Vairengte, said “If any further encroachment is carried out by Assam in mizoram region, our army is ready to launch an attack (firing) at any time.” He condemned the allegation that Mizo had encroached 6 km inside Assam. The senior police officer also denied that “grenades were thrown towards Assam police by the people of Mizoram.” There was no explosion from our side. But we heard some sounds of blast from Assam for which we have registered a case because it is believed to be to intimidate the people living in the border villages. It was unfounded and fabricated to gain sympathy from others. Mizoram shares a border of about 164.4 km with Assam.
The current border standoff took place on June 29 when Assam Police allegedly encroached on Atlang Hanar, about 5 km from The Nearest Village Of Assam, Vairengte. The situation escalated on July 10 when Assam Police and officials allegedly constructed and destroyed the road in Buarchep village of Fenum area of Kolasim district, a day after the chief secretary level talks under the Home Ministry ended.
