Less of a meeting more of a photo-op; “Let’s forget the past,” says Atul Bora without showing the way forward

Samsujjaman Barbhuiya, Swapan Kumar Roy, Mazrul Haque Barbhuiya, Nazmul Hoque Barbhuiya, Shyamaprasad Dusat and Liton Suklabaidya died on July 26. All of them are Assam Police personnel. 10 days later, “Let’s forget the past,” says Cabinet Minister in Assam, Atul Bora while talking to the press right after the meeting in Mizoram that lasted only fifteen minutes.

Commissioner and secretary, G D Tripathi read out a joint statement following which the floor was opened for questions. Atul Bora took a couple of questions but read out answers from a sheet of paper. The answers, not necessarily were relatable to the questions asked by the Mizoram press core. Similarly, there was hardly any reciprocation to the questions asked by journalists from Assam. Instead, there was a joint response.

“This meeting is just the beginning of process. We have to understand that the issue is a long standing one and we will solve it amicably through dialogues,” said Bora. When the press core asked more questions like – “When will the demarcation begin and how will matter get solved…”

Bore reiterated, “We have just started the journey and I don’t think we should pose more questions at this moment to complicate this. The two chief ministers want the border issue to be resolved, the chief ministers want peace to prevail. That is the message that goes out from here.”

Barak Bulletin’s correspondent questioned the home minister of Mizoram as to why the post where six Assam Police personnel were killed is guarded by Mizoram IR Battalion despite two states agreeing to only deploy Central Armed Police Forces in the disputed zone. Before the Home Minister of Mizoram could answer, Atul Bora picked up the microphone and said, “Whatever happened was an unfortunate incident. Today we had a fruitful discussion… let’s forget the past.”

He was also asked about the economic blockade by several journalists from Mizoram. The government of Assam, time and again, denied any role in an economic blockade disrupting supply of essential commodities to Mizoram. However, a travel advisory was issued by the Assam Government urging against travelling to Mizoram as there are “civilians standing with machine guns and lethal weaponry.” When asked if government of Assam will withdraw the advisory, Atul Bora responded, “Yes, we are willing to withdraw the advisory.”

Bora said a threadbare discussion led to the joint statement that was read out. But, it seemed the statement was drafted and handed over even before the meeting commenced. As it was less of a meeting and more photo-opportunity. Not a single statement was made about the road ahead.

The statement read by Tripathi read, “The Governments of Assam and Mizoram welcome and agree to take forward the initiatives taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and Hon’ble Chief Ministers of Assam and Mizoram to remove tensions prevailing around the inter-State borders and to find lasting solutions to the disputes through discussions.”

Adding, “The representatives of Government of Mizoram convey condolences for the loss of lives on 26th July, 2021 and convey best wishes for speedy recovery of those injured.”

“Both the State Governments agree to maintain peace in the inter-State border areas and welcomed deployment of neutral force by Government of India in this regard. For this purpose, both the States shall not send their respective Forest and Police forces for patrolling, domination, enforcement or for fresh deployment to any of the areas where confrontation and conflict has taken place between the Police forces of the two States during recent times. This would include all such areas along the Assam — Mizoram border in the districts of Karimganj, Hailakandi and Cachar, Assam; Mamit and Kolasib districts, Mizoram.”

The statement concluded, “Representatives of Governments of Assam and Mizoram agree to take all necessary measures to promote, preserve and maintain peace and harmony amongst the people living in Assam and Mizoram, particularly in tht border areas.”