At least 5 police personnel have died in the Monday incident when they started firing each other. The incident happened in the border areas of Assam and Mizoram. Last week 2 such incidents were seen on the border of these two states.
The root of the clash dates back to 1875 and 1933. As per the agreement between govt. of Assam and Mizoram a few years ago, quo status was to be maintained in no man’s land. Last year in October people from Lailapur allegedly built some temporary houses there. The people from the Mizoram side went there and set those houses on fire.
This was a similar incident as recent when people clashed in Karimganj (Assam) and Mamit (Mizoram).
The recent one happened in Cachar. A few people from Lailapur attacked the police and the people of Mizoram. In return, the people from Mizoram defended them.
As per Mizoram Officials, the land which is claimed by Assam was cultivated by residents of Mizoram. Both the states have had border disputes since long ago. The land that is being cultivated by Mizoram residents, falls under Karimganj’s jurisdiction on paper. This issue was being resolved when the other happened.
Civil society groups claim that these disputes are being done by illegal Bangladeshis. Both these Indian states share their border with Bangladesh.
Mizoram was earlier known as Lushai Hills. In the colonial period, this was a district of Assam. A notification from 1875 claims that Lushai Hills is different from the plains of Cachar. The Inner Line Regulation to separate Assam territory from Mizo hills has the roots to this clash.
As per records from 1933, the same place was set as a boundary between Lushai hills and Manipur. A final boundary was created but it didn’t involve the Mizos. hence they disagreed with the decision.
When the North- Eastern States got their existence in 1987 the Mizos insisted on the border that was decided in ILR 1875. Even now few believe the same as their border. The then geographical issue has now turned into an ethnic issue.
The current rigidity started in June when Assam Police allegedly took control over the area names Aitlanghnar. They accused Mizoram of encroaching on its territory. Just after this people from both states have gathered around the disputed area.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Twitter post stated state police were killed by Mizoram forces while defending Constitutional boundaries. He added that miscreants from Mizoram pelted them with stones. They also attacked its officials on site.
The central govt. has appointed CRPF jawans as a neutral force on the disputed area.
Both the CMs were seen blaming each other on Twitter for violence and seeking the central government’s intervention. On Saturday both CMs has attended a meeting headed by Mr.Shah in Shillong.
