GUWAHATI: As border row between Assam-Mizoram continued to escalate, Mizoram chief minister Pu Zoramthanga on Saturday expressed his wish to deescalate the tension between the two neighbouring states.
In a message to Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on his birthday on Saturday, the Mizoram counterpart pressed for maintaining peace and harmony amongst the two states. Sonowal turned 59 today.
In a tweet, Zoramthanga said, “Happy Birthday Sri @sarbanandsonwal ji. Heartfelt greetings from the people of #Mizoram. Let this special day ease up unnecessary tension and conflict at the #Assam Mizoram border for the plight of our people on both sides.”
Meanwhile, the economic blockade on NH 306 along the Assam-Mizoram border entered the fourth day on Saturday leaving Mizoram contemplating ways to get essential supplies. Hundreds of Mizoram-bound trucks carrying essentials remained stranded on the Assam side as locals in Cachar did not allow trucks to move ahead.
While the locals demanded the withdrawal of Mizoram forces from several villages of Assam, the Mizoram government refused accusing officials of the Assam government of instigating the fresh blockade. Mizoram government claimed that it was protecting its historical boundary.
On the other hand, images of Mizoram’s security forces digging up trenches and building bunkers along the border went viral worsening the situation.
Earlier, Assam’s environment and forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya visited the troubled areas along the inter-state border to allay locals’ fears.
Since October 9, the situation along the 164.6-km Assam-Mizoram border remained tensed as violent clashes took place between groups from both sides.
Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Ministry intervened, the situation remained unresolved yet.
