Inter-State rift ends as Mizoram agrees to remove its Police posts and personnel from Assam

Guwahati: Mizoram has decided to remove its police posts and personnel inside Assam, ending the border standoff since Saturday. Mizoram relented after home secretary Lalbiaksangi met Union home ministry joint secretary Satyendra Kumar Garg in Silchar on Wednesday. The meeting expressed concern over rumours and fake news related to the incident which have surfaced on social and electronic media.

Garg said that the Centre, Assam and Mizoram had fruitful discussions and resolved to settle the matter amicably. Assam home secretary Gyanendra Dev Tripathi said “Mizoram had acceded to our request and decided to withdraw forces from Assam's territory”. Tripathi said both sides held meetings to restore peace and normalcy in the border villages which saw violence on Saturday night.

Trucks carrying essential commodities to Mizoram are expected to ply soon. As part of confidence building measures, deputy commissioners, SPs and DFOs of both states would interact regularly and hammer out issues, an Assam government statement said.


Later, home minister Amit Shah talked with Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and enquired about the steps taken to defuse tension. Sonowal apprised him that senior officials have already begun talks to settle pending issues and that Mizoram CM Zoramthanga had assured him to take steps for bolstering peace and strengthening brotherhood among people of both the states. Sonowal has directed officials to ensure seamless movement of vehicles through the border. Tripathi said the presence of Mizoram policemen had created fear in the minds of truck drivers and helpers.