There was no new violence but tension persists in the border districts.
Guwahati:
No breakthroughs have been made in on-the-ground talks between Mizoram and Assam to resolve the border dispute between states in the Barak Valley region, where several people were injured in a clash on the question last week, officials said. Mizoram has hardened its stance on the rift and said it would get essential supplies from neighboring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh if the truck blockade in Assam is not eased. The two states agreed to talks at the home minister’s level on Wednesday.
Hundreds of trucks transporting basic necessities to Mizoram have been stranded at the interstate border since October 16. There was no new violence but tension persists in the border districts.
In view of the blockade of the national road, which is the lifeline of essential goods for the people of Mizoram, the Chief Minister indicated that this would oblige the government to explore the possibilities of transporting essential goods through states neighboring Manipur. and Tripura, and even neighboring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh, ”said a statement from the Mizoram government.
The Assam government has said it is determined to restore normalcy along the interstate border with Mizoram.
“At point zero, we had discussions at the level of the deputy commissioners, but things did not progress. On Wednesday, we will have talks at the level of the Ministry of the Interior with the Mizoram. The idea is to find quickly a solution to the impasse and to instill confidence. The truckers have been assured by Mizoram and outside that security cover will be provided, but they are unwilling to travel to Mizoram. We hope to achieve progress soon, ”Assam Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna told GalacticGaming.
Interior minister-level talks will be held at the Lailapur office on Wednesday morning to resolve the issue amicably, Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Assam commissioner and secretary of the border protection department, told reporters.
The officer called on the Mizoram to withdraw its security forces from Assam’s territorial jurisdiction and to dismantle their camps.
Assam Police Special DG (Border) Mukesh Agarwal said the situation at the border was under control, without further incident in the past 24 hours. He promised adequate protection for people living near the border.
