JCB driver kidnapped at gunpoint by Assam Police, claims Mizoram

KOLASIB: H Lalthlangliana, Deputy Commissioner of Mizoram's Kolasib, has shockingly alleged that a road construction worker driving a JCB vehicle was kidnapped at gunpoint by the Assam Police on Wednesday.

Writing to the Deputy Commissioner of Hailakandi, Lalthlangliana said, "It has been brought to my notice that this afternoon at Aitlang in Pu LaIngaisanga's land where road construction connecting jhum land is undertaken by the farmers using Excavator JCB Reg. No MZO5 A 4464, the Assam Police went to disrupt their activity and damaged the door of the Excavator and snatched the keys from the JCB operator Pu Lalnarammawia."

Lalthlangliana further claimed that the JCB operator was blindfolded at gunpoint by the Assam police in commando fatigues. "He was then dragged by the river, ripped off his clothes and threatened his life. His mobile phone with JCB keys was taken by the police," he added in the letter.

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"This is considered a very serious issue and a huge setback towards the initiatives for peace until now; and can further aggravate using forces between the deployed forces around this area," he further stated.

He also sought immediate intervention of the District Magistrate into the issue and action against the perpetrators. InsideNE tried reaching out to Hailakandi DC Rohan Kumar Jha, but he was unavailable for comment.

It has been learnt that Assam denied the Mizoram charge. According to reports, Assam accused its neighbouring State of constructing camps on its land.

The Deputy Commissioner also urged to return the items taken away by the Assam Police to the JCB owner and operator.

This situation has erupted amid tensions between Mizoram and Assam over the boundary dispute after six Assam policemen and one civilian were killed in a fierce gun battle between police on July 26.

Meanwhile, the two states in a joint statement agreed to take forward the Centre's initiative of letting neutral forces patrol the disputed areas.

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