Angry locals vandalise 4 Mizoram-bound vehicles; Eggs destroyed, “No such reports,” Police

Tension escalating in Assam – Mizoram border. Locals of the Lailapur area are irked by minister Atul Bora “Forget the past” comment. Yesterday, after the meeting in Aizawl between ministers of two states, Assam Government decided to officially withdraw the travel advisory that urged the residents of Assam against travelling to Mizoram. From today, the trucks from Assam were expected to ply to Mizoram. But the locals are not happy with the situation and said they will stop the vehicles from traveling to Mizoram.

As the Guardian Minister of Assam already said, “We can control the public but cannot control their emotions,” the emotions are riding high. From Lailapur BEAT office to the post where six Assam Police personnel were killed by the Mizo forces, it is only Central Armed Police Forces that are deployed. However, that particular post is controversially controlled by Mizo forces and there is no deployment of any central forces beyond that point. Within the territory of Assam, the residents of Assam have to list their names and details to progress. However, the residents of Mizoram are free to walk around all throughout even four kilometres within the territory of Assam. There are check gates of Kolashib Police installed five kilometers within Assam.

“We will not let the vehicles pass through Lailapur unless Mizoram withdraws its Forces from the post where the Assam Police personnel were attacked. Hand it over to Central Forces, we are fine with it but the Mizo forces need to retreat as a mark of tribute to the Indian soldiers whom they shot dead on that spot,” said local residents of Bagha Bazaar’s New Market area.

Four small size trucks plying towards Mizoram from Karimganj were stopped by the public near the new market area today evening. Locals asked where the vehicles are headed to. When the driver said Mizoram, the locals started vandalising the Mahindra Bolero Pik-up trucks and threw the eggs on the road destroying them all. Two vehicles were badly vandalised and remaining two were slightly damaged.

“We accept the withdrawal of advisory. But the economic blockade will not be withdrawn without a proper discussion with the administration. Before any discussion, the Mizo forces need to be withdrawn from the posts. Till Vairengte gate, which is the constitutional boundary of Assam’s Cachar district and Mizoram’s Kolashib district, only Central forces should be there,” said another protesting local.

Meanwhile, an officer in charge of the Dholai Police station said that they have not got any such report about vandalism yet. They will act as per the law if the matter is reported. Last night, another such truck carrying betel nut was vandalised near Lailapur area.