Mizoram Apologises For Death Of 6 Assam Cops in Lailapur Firing Incident

GUWAHATI: The Mizoram Government has tendered its apology for death of 6 Assam Police personnel during the gunfire that took place in Lailapur in Cachar district of Assam along the inter-state border in the month of last year.

This was conveyed by the Mizoram Government on the sidelines of the crucial meet held in Guwahati on Thursday between delegations of Assam and Mizoram to resolve the more than two-decade long border dispute. In a serious turn of events, the boundary dispute turned violent between security forces and civilian on both sides of the border on July 26, 2021.

It may be recalled here that the inter-state boundary issue between both the neighbouring states dates to the times when Mizoram known as Lushai Hills was a district of Assam. Thereafter in 1972, it was declared as a Union Territory and later a state in 1987.

Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana who led the delegation from his state for the all-important meet while speaking to the media said, "In the past when I met Assam minister Atul Bora, I tendered my apology and sorrow for the loss of precious lives and this time also I am repeating my apology and sorrow."

The Mizoram Home Minister added, "It is my hope that such incidents do not take place between the states or any other states of Northeast India. Such incidents are unfortunate and uncalled for. We must ensure that such incidents never happen again."

In a joint statement issued after the meet, it said that both the states "agreed to continue their resolve to maintain peace and harmony on the interstate border among communities living on both sides with a view to further strengthen their age-old ties."

In addition to it, it was agreed upon that the Mizoram Government within a period of three months would be providing relevant information about the list of villages and their areas. The state would also be submitting the geo-spatial extent and the ethnicity of the people within a stipulated time of three months in support of their claim over the disputed areas.

Later, this information could be evaluated by regional committees from both Assam and Mizoram for the matter to be resolved. The Assam Government in turn has given its assurance for extending full cooperation wherever needed.

Both states mutually agreed to adhere to the resolutions mentioned in the Joint Statement signed between both the states on August 5 last year a few days after the violence at Lailapur.

Meanwhile, the Mizoram delegation also conveyed to their Assam counterparts about the unrest prevailing among the areca nut growers in their state for the challenges in transporting their products to Assam and elsewhere in the country. On this, both the delegations decided to refer the matter the respective Chief Ministers for a viable solution.

Also Read : Mizoram to submit list of claimed villages in 3 months

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