Tension mounting at Assam - Mizoram border; Haialakandi DFO, Police push back Mizo encroachment

Yet another inter-state conflict in the Assam-Mizoram border in Hailakandi. Residents from the other side of the border in Mizoram allegedly encroached into the Gallacherra area of Hailakandi to cut trees and clear forests. Forest Officials of Assam along with Assam Police had to intervene in the area to stop this illegal encroachment. After police intervention, and the encroachment into the disputed area, the Mizo individuals agreed to vacate the land.

Last year also some Mizo residents had cleared the forest area of the disputed area and this year too some farmers from the Mizoram side came to clear the forest in the same Gallacherra area. After the news of this illegal encroachment went to the Forest Office of Hailakandi, the forest officials and Assam Police went to the disputed area to take stock of the situation.

Speaking about this, the Hailakandi DFO Akhil Dutta said, “Some layman and farmers from the Mizoram side entered the disputed land to clear the forest. Even though they just started to clear the land, we intervened and discussed the matter with them and asked them not to do so. Upon mutual understanding, they agreed to return back to their village”.

Dutta further mentioned, “I along with Katigorah Circle Officer, OC Ramnathpur and other staff of the Forest Department, went there and stopped this activity. We didn’t have to force them back or use aggression. They were simple farmers, who agreed to return back to their forest after we explained the matter to them. There is nothing to be worried about and they cooperated with us”. Right now, the Forest Department has increased the frequency of patrolling in the area along with Assam Police.