Assam-Mizoram Border Dispute: Tensions Remain Even After Talk With HM Amit Shah?

Dispur: Talking about the border tensions with Mizoram, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that the government is ready to approach Supreme Court to resolve the matter.

Bringing up the issue of a criminal case lodged against him in Mizoram, Sarma said: “I’m happy if filing an FIR against me resolves the issue, I will go and appear before any police station. But I will not allow our officers to be investigated. We will go to SC to resolve boundary dispute”, news agency ANI reported.

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In the recent border violence, a fierce gun battle between the forces of the two states resulted in the death of five Assam police personnel and one civilian. One injured policeman succumbed to his injuries later taking the total number of policemen killed to six. At least 50 people were injured in the incident.

In view of the shocking incident, both Assam and Mizoram had sent summons to each other’s officials. But the officers of both sides have disregarded these summons and chose not to show up. 

Over this issue, CM Himanta was quoted as saying: “I’m happy if filing an FIR against me resolves the issue, I will go and appear before any police station. But I will not allow our officers to be investigated”.

This comes even as the situation between both states appeared to be improving. 

Amit Shah Speaks To Chief Ministers

Union Home Minister Amit Shah talked to both Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga over the phone on Sunday to reduce the border tension between the two Northeastern states.

Both the Chief Ministers took to Twitter and put a more optimistic view of the scenario.

“Our main focus is on keeping the spirit of North-East alive. What happened along the Assam-Mizoram border is unacceptable to the people of both states. Hon’ble CM Zoramthanga had promised to call me post his quarantine. Border disputes can only be resolved through discussion,” CM Himanta tweeted.

“As per telephonic discussion with Union Home Minister and Assam Chief Minister, we agreed to resolve the Mizoram-Assam border issue amicably through meaningful dialogue,”  Zoramthanga wrote.

The Mizoram CM also urged his citizens to refrain from posting provocative messages and misuse of social media in order to de-escalate the ongoing tension.

Additionally, the Mizoram government stated that it is ready to withdraw the FIR filed against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Even Chief Minister Zoramthanga did not approve the inclusion of Sarma’s name in the FIR, Chief Secretary Lalnunmawia Chuango said on Sunday.

But looking at both Assam and Mizoram choosing to not send their officials for probe in the other state, the tension in the Northeastern neighbours might take longer to completely defuse.