August 5, 2021: In a bid to diffuse border tensions between Assam and Mizoram, Assam Ministers Atul Bora and Ashok Singhal met the representatives of Mizoram government on Thursday at Aizawl, Mizoram.
Taking to Twitter Minister Ashok Singhal said, “Pleased to meet the Home Minister of Mizoram, Shri @Lalchamliana12 and the Advisor to Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Ronsanzuala and discussed briefly the #AssamMizoramBorder issue.”
In another tweet, the minister said, “With great optimism from both sides, we held our discussion with the Home Minister of Mizoram @Lalchamliana12 Ji & other officials on resolving the #AssamMizoramBorder issue. This is in continuation of the discussion initiated by HCM @himantabiswa Ji & HCM @ZoramthangaCM Ji.”
“Govt. of Assam & Govt. of Mizoram successfully signed a Joint Statement today after deliberations at Aizawl. Both governments agree to take forward Ministry of Home Affairs' initiatives to remove prevailing tensions and to find lasting solutions through discussions,” said CMO Mizoram in a tweet.
On July 26, the border dispute between the two Assam and Mizoram escalated and a fierce gun battle between the forces of the two states resulted in the death of six Assam police personnel and one civilian. At least 50 people were injured in the incident. Following the incident, six companies of CRPF were deployed to the disputed area as neutral forces.
Amid heightened tensions, the Assam government had issued a travel advisory and advised people from the state not to travel to Mizoram due to the "critical prevailing situation". However, the Mizoram government clarified that there is no restriction on the movement of non-residents of Mizoram who will be travelling through the disputed area of the Kolasib district.
Zoramthanga has earlier directed Mizoram Police to withdraw the FIR registered against officials of Assam following the July 26 incident.
As a "goodwill" gesture, the Assam Chief Minister also gave directions to the state police to withdraw FIR against K Vanlalvena, Rajya Sabha MP from Mizoram. However, he said cases against other accused police officers will be pursued.
