July 31, 2021: Assam government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken strong steps against drug and cattle smuggling via Assam-Mizoram border and steps have been taken for the first time against “encroachment” though it has been happening since 2000, Jayanta Malla Baruah, MLA and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister said on Friday.

Baruah alleged that there is a big relation between drug smuggling and violence along the inter-state border between Assam and Mizoram that left six Assam police personnel dead and 50 others injured.

He said that Mizoram should adhere to “constitutional boundary” between the two states.

He also claimed that Champhai in Mizoram “is main hub of drug mafias and cattle smugglers” in the region.

“Encroachment has been happening since 2000 but nobody retaliated. This is the first time Assam Govt has taken a strong step. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken strong steps against drug & cattle smuggling via Assam-Mizoram border,” Baruah told ANI.

“There is an illegal smuggling route from Myanmar, Mizoram via Assam to Haryana and Punjab. There is a big relation between drug smuggling and this issue (clashes at border),” he said.

Baruah blamed Mizoram for not adhering to the constitutional boundary between the two states.

“Mizoram is referring to historical boundary. Indian constitution has given a boundary between Mizoram and Assam. They are not agreeing to that constitutional boundary. They always take into consideration the historical boundary, which is not fixed, because there are so many historical accounts,” he said.

“Everyone must obey constitutional boundary,” he added.

Baruah said they were just protecting their land and not inciting violence.

“Our police personnel were gunned by their weapons. This portrays a bad image of Mizoram police,” he said.

He also noted that everyone in Assam wants peace.

“From Assam’s side, from Chief Minster to common people, everyone talks about peace. All northeast states are our brothers and sisters. We are called as seven sisters. All land is India’s land, be it Assam or Mizoram.”

“All this has happened but Mizoram Chief Minister has not even apologized,” said Baruah, who is also the MLA of Nalbari in Assam.

Referring to the advisory urging people of the state to avoid travelling to Mizoram and exercise caution, he said the advisory is not a blockade.

“It is just an advisory to citizens that people should not visit Mizoram until a peace prevails,” Baruah said.

“I hope the Central government will take a positive step. Whatever central government says, we will follow,” he added.

Assam and Mizoram share 164.6 km border. The Hailakandi district of Assam shares 99.10 km boundary with Mizoram while Karimganj shares 12.60 km boundary.

Mizo leaders have said in the past that the only acceptable boundary is the Inner Line of 1875 on the southern frontier of Cachar.

Assam Chief Minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma and Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga exchanged several letters and telephonic conversations on the border disputes since May this year and in all these communications, a plea was made to maintain status quo and meet in person to sort out these issues.

They said Assam Chief Minister is apprising his counterparts in northeast of ground facts and the people of Assam expect at least a formal statement of regret “for the killings” from Mizoram. (ANI)