July 26, 2021: A war of words between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga has erupted amid the spurt in fresh violence and tension at Lailapur along the Assam-Mizoram border. Both Chief Ministers have used Twitter to get back at each other while several civilians and Assam Police personnel were injured in the violent clashes along the border. The flare up comes within two days of the CMs’ meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah in Shillong.

Assam CM Sarma addressed his Mizoram counterpart in his first tweet and requested Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene.

In response, Mizoram CM Zoranthanga wrote that after a cordial meeting of CMs with Amit Shah (on July 24), “Surprisingly 2 companies of Assam Police with civilians lathicharged & tear gassed civilians at Vairengte Auto Rickshaw Stand inside Mizoram today…”

Assam CM has called on everyone to maintain restraint and said that the issue will be sorted out. He said that tension escalated after an Assam Police post at the border was demolished. Regarding allegations that Mizo civilians’ car was damaged and people were attacked, the CM said that Assam Police will investigate and action will be taken if anything has happened within Assam’s territory.

Violent scenes were seen at the border as hundreds of people were seen with sticks and stones. Several cars were damaged and many police personnel were injured in the clashes.

Accusing Assam of violence and manhandling people, Mizoram CM Twitted, “innocent couple on their way back to Mizoram via Cachar manhandled and ransacked by thugs and goons. How are you going to justify these violent acts?