DC Hailakandi, DIG Southern Range, SP Kolashib visits Kachurtal; Situation volatile

No reports of fresh clash have come as a sign of relief for both Assam and Mizoram. The interstate borders in Jhalnacherra, Hailakandi have witnessed tension in the last 48 hours.

Today DC Cachar, Megh Nidhi Dahal, DIG Southern Range – Assam Police Dilip Kumar Dey, SP Kolashib and his counterparts from Hailakandi visited the spot which witnessed tension last night. The delegation has confirmed that houses in large numbers have been set ablaze by miscreants.

“How many houses have been burnt is something that is subject to investigation. Whatever has happened has scared the locals. There are still 18 to 20 houses that have not been burnt, but the residents of those houses have left them with bags and baggage. We have deployed forces to assure safety, however, they are traumatised and it cannot be undone overnight,” said Megh Nidhi Dahal, DC Hailakandi.

The DC said it will take some time to assess the damage. He added, “I am in touch with the Kolashib administration and we are discussing the matter in detail.

The DIG also echoed the deputy commissioner. However, he emphasized that both sides have played a role in escalating the issue which eventually boiled out of proportion. He said that enough forces have been deployed to ensure no further escalation.

“There is a letter issued by the district administration which urged to not build a road in the forest area. That construction work which is the root of all miseries, should have been avoided,” said DIG Southern Range Dilip Dey. However, he condemned the untoward incident which saw several houses being burnt.

The DIG also added that this is not a land dispute and there is no attempt to encroach in Assam.

For the records, a clash broke yesterday between Mizo Youth Group when they came and asked contractor Hirok Paul to stop constructing the road in Jalnacherra area. That road was constructed under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna. That confrontation had turned into a brawl and later at night, Mizo miscreants have allegedly set ablaze houses in of common people in that area.