Shah persuades NE CMs to talk, resolve border row

After the intervention of union home minister Amit Shah, Assam and Mizoram chief ministers on Sunday agreed to resolve the ongoing border dispute between the two neighbouring states amicably through dialogue.

This came to light after Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga in his social media post on Sunday said that the boundary dispute with Assam will be resolved amicably through dialogue.

Referring his telephonic discussion with Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Zoramthanga said, “As per telephonic discussion with Union home minister and Assam Chief Minister, we agreed to resolve the Mizoram-Assam border issue amicably through meaningful dialogue.”

He also appealed to the people of Mizoram to prevent any possible escalation of the situation.

Later during the day Assam CM also reciprocated in a social media post by his Twitter handle saying, “Our main focus is on keeping the spirit of North-East alive. What happened along the Assam-Mizoram border is unacceptable to the people of both states. Zoramthanga had promised to call me after his quarantine. Border disputes can only be resolved through discussion.”

Informing that ministry of home affairs has also asked the two states to restore movement of emergency and essential supplies as part of the deescalation plan, security sources said that the ministry has also directed both the states that their officers and forces will not be allowed to carry arms while visiting the conflict zone which is now manned by central forces.

Pointing out that the Centre has advised the two states to withdraw the FIRs filed against each other, security sources said that Mizoram is said to have assured to withdraw the FIR filed against Assam CM in Mizoram.

Both the states have refused to honour the summons that were issued by each other following the clashes. Mizoram has named Assam CM and other top officials in its FIR over the incident.