MIZORAM, ASSAM OFFICIALS AGREE TO MAINTAIN STATUS QUO AT BORDER

The governments of Mizoram and Assam has agreed to maintain status quo in the disputed border area of Kolasib-Hailakandi districts following a visit by officials of both the states and the Centre. The border separating Hailakandi of Assam and Kolasib of Mizoram witnessed violence early this month when members of a Mizoram students' body, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl, tried to construct a rest house on NH 154. The Assam Police had resorted to lathicharge, and several students and journalists were injured in the incident. It was decided at a meeting of the officials of the two states and the Centre that both states would maintain status quo and dismantle illegal structures and resolve the dispute amicably.

The officials from Mizoram were headed by Home Secretary Lalrinliana Fanai and the Assam officials were headed by the principal secretary for home. The central team will submit its report to the Union Home Secretary on April 5 after which it will be discussed in a follow up meeting with the chief secretaries of the two states. Talks had earlier held between the chief secretaries in New Delhi on March 20. Official sources said the Centre also proposed to hold talks between the home ministers of the two states as also between the two chief ministers. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in response to a letter from Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, had initiated talks between the two states to defuse the tension.

Speaking to INSIDENE, Adil Khan, Deputy Commissioner, Hailakandi said that the situation in the border area is absolutely peaceful and the security forces have been withdrawn.