Uneasy calm prevails along Mizoram-Tripura border

GUWAHATI: Tension is running high in an area along Mizoram-Tripura after a mob set ablaze around 360 houses on Sunday following the alleged killing of a Mizo youth.

Following the incident, seven persons have been arrested. Mizoram home minister R Lalzirliana said shoot-at-sight orders have been issued to bring the situation under control.

Police sources said trouble started after 18-year-old Zarzokima, a Mizo youth, was killed by the suspected Bru National Army, a militant group, last Friday.

Zothankhuma, deputy commissioner of Mamit district in Mizoram told ET: "There is no further escalation of tension. We are maintaining round-the-clock vigil."

Police sources added a section of people of Bungthuam in Mizoram were miffed by the killing of the youth and they retaliated by resorting to arson in Reang (locally known as Bru) settlements.

Thousands of people have been displaced; the tribals have taken shelter in southern Assam and Jampui in northern Tripura. Authorities of the nearby districts have met to restore peace in the area.

Thousands of Bru refuges are staying in different camps in Tripura after ethnic clashes broke out in 1997. A meeting for repatriation of Bru refugees to Mizoram held on November 4 in presence of central government officials failed.