Following the fire incident between Assam and Mizoram on July 26, village-level public representatives had a conference in Lailapur, Assam, where they emphasized that they need each other and are willing to compromise to restore peace and normalcy.
A meeting with the representatives of Assam’s village
Vairengte Joint Village Council chairman R Lalfamkima led a delegation to a meeting with leaders from Assam’s villages. Outsiders will need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Mizoram, however, the requirements for certain areas will be less stringent.
A step towards restoring peace and harmony between Assam and Mizoram
Lalfamkima asserted that they have designed their own set of rules that apply to residents of a few villages on both sides. He went on to say that when they notified the Mizoram chief minister of their choice, he complimented their effort.
R. Lalfamkima said, “What happened on July 26 was unfortunate…We have decided to make our own rules which will be applicable only for the people of a few villages from both sides. We have informed the Mizoram chief minister about our decisions and he has appreciated our attempt.”
Lalfamkima also said they have formed some groups… “If someone comes from Assam’s side, we will get the information before the visit. Our teams will take care of the security of the visitors. But this will be applicable only for temporary visits.”
Possibility of a permanent solution to the border issue
According to Lalfamkima, Mizoram believes the boundary should be divided based on the BEFR of 1875, whereas Assam believes it should be divided based on a district demarcation done by the British administration in 1933
People from both sides visit each other for various reasons, according to Raju Laskar, who led the Assam team, and governments from both sides are trying to come up with a solution, which will take a long time. Representatives from the Vairengte Village Council in Mizoram paid a visit to Zoramthanga, Mizoram’s Chief Minister, on Monday.
Lalfamkima, said, “It is not possible to draw a permanent solution to the border dispute until both the states agree on one point… Mizoram believes that the border should be divided based on the demarcation by the British government’s Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) in 1875, while Assam believes on a district demarcation done by the British government in 1933.”
The clash at the Assam-Mizoram Border
On July 26 of this year, police units from both states clashed, resulting in the deaths of six Assam police officers. In retaliation, Assam imposed an unofficial 10-day economic boycott. On August 5, ministers from both states gathered in Aizawl to try to find a settlement. Things began to return to normal, as thousands of trucks carrying crucial supplies for Mizoram arrived safely in the state. The governments of both states, however, we’re unable to resolve the conflict.
