Assam-Mizoram Border Dispute: Assam Ministers Atul Bora and Ashok Singhal Heading For Aizawl Today

DY365
Published: August 5,2021 08:58 AM

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On July 26, the border dispute between Assam & 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.

August 5, 2021: In a bid to diffuse border tensions between Assam and Mizoram, Assam Ministers Atul Bora and Ashok Singhal will visit Aizawl today (August 5) to meet representatives of the Mizoram government.

Taking to Twitter, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that the ministers will visit Mizoram's capital with a "message of peace from people of Assam"

"Two of my senior colleagues Atul Bora and Ashok Singhal will visit Aizawl tomorrow with message of peace from people of Assam," Sarma tweeted.

1/1I learn that Honble CM @ZoramthangaCM has asked @mizorampolice to withdraw FIR dt 26.7.21 against our officers.I heartily reciprocate this positive gesture and ask @assampolice to withdraw cases against DC Kolasib and SDPO Virengte
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 2, 2021

1/2 Further, in aid of an early amicable resolution,I am sending my cabinet collegues, @ATULBORA2 and @TheAshokSinghal to Aizawl on 5 Aug, 21, for a meaningful dialogue. Assam stands committed to ensuring peace on its borders,paving the way for a peaceful & developed North-East
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 2, 2021

Mizoram CM Zoramthanga on Wednesday also tweeted that he would not meet the Minister as he has been in quarantine after one of his office staff tested positive.

“Tomorrow the 5th of August, 2021 representatives from #Assam Govt. led by senior Minister will meet representatives of #Mizoram Govt. led by senior Minister. I am sure important steps will be achieved for the solution of the border problem. #NorthEastIsOne @himantabiswa” Zoramthanga tweeted.

Tomorrow the 5th of August, 2021 representatives from #Assam Govt. led by senior Minister will meet representatives of #Mizoram Govt. led by senior Minister. I am sure important steps will be achieved for the solution of the border problem.#NorthEastIsOne @himantabiswa pic.twitter.com/ToLc28TIIj
— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) August 4, 2021

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.