Border Clash: Mizoram blames Assam, says Mizo civilians were first assaulted
A war of words is raging on between the Mizoram and Assam governments over the violent incident along the borders on July 26 with claims and counter claims being levelled against each other.
A war of words is raging on between the Mizoram and Assam governments over the violent incident along the borders on July 26 with claims and counter claims, allegations and counter allegations being levelled by and against each other.
The Government of Mizoram on Monday issued a press statement detailing the sequence of events that led to the clash.
According to the statement issued by Home Minister Lalchamliana, around 200 armed police personnel led by IGP Assam Police came to Vairengte Auto-rickshaw stand at around 11:30 am on Monday, forcefully crossing the duty post manned by CRPF personnel and Mizoram police personnel stationed there.
"Subsequently, after learning about the arson committed by Assam Police, residents of Vairengte town under Kolasib District proceeded to the site to inquire about it," the statement read.
The Mizoram government claimed that the civilians from the Mizoram side were assaulted by Assam Police, and when things could not be brought under control the SP of Kolasib and an Executive Magistrate went to meet them (Assam Police) to resolve the issue.
Mizoram government further claimed that Assam Police remained adamant and resorted to firing tear gas canisters and grenades at the Mizoram police.
"In retaliation, Mizoram Police responded spontaneously by firing back at Assam Police amid the negotiating with the Assam Police authorities," it stated.
It was only until Union Home Minister spoke to both the Chief Ministers of Mizoram and Assam that Assam Police withdrew its forces from the duty post, the Home Minister said.
The Home Minister of Mizoram has called for a peaceful and meaningful dialogue with Assam to solve the inter-state border issue.
Meanwhile, the Assam side is yet to issue any statement on the incident except for tweets posted by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who claimed that six Assam police personnel have died during the clash.
ALSO READ: Assam-Mizoram border row: Gunshots fired, several police personnel injured
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