Mizoram police fired on Assam personnel with light machine guns: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

GUWAHATI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted earlier that Mizoram Police person nel have used light machine guns against their Assam brethren. As many as six Assam police personnel and a civilian perished during the clash, while dozens more are grievously injured.

"Clear evidences are now beginning to emerge that unfortunately show that Mizoram Police has used Light Machine Guns (LMG) against personnel of @assampolice. This is sad, unfortunate and speaks volumes about the intention and gravity of the situation", Sarma tweeted.

He also posted a video which seemed to depict a number of Mizo civilians and police "celebrating" after the violent episode.

"After killing 5 Assam police personnel and injuring many , this is how Mizoram police and goons are celebrating.- sad and horrific," he reacted.

Sarma also posted a statement of the Assam government about the skirmish in which it has been alleged that a mob of miscreants were visibly supported by Mizoram police in carrying out the spate of violence.

As per the statement, the Assam police had gone to the contested territory to restore the status quo after Mizoram began construction on a road leading towards Rengti Basti of Assam. It has also been claimed that a camp had been set up for armed personnel near a CRPF base at the very site.

The trouble started when a team of officials comprising the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, the SP, and a host of other high profile dignitaries went to the area in question, reportedly to restore the status quo.

The statement claims that Mizoram police initially resorted to firing tear gas shells and eventually resorted to gunfire while the Assam delegation was having a discussion with the Kolasib SP.

At least five personnel have perished, while 50 are injured. Vaivhav Nimbalkar, the police superintendent of Cachar is grievously injured as he has a bullet embedded in his leg, said the statement.

The Assam Government in the statement has further requested the Mizoram government to restrain its police and civilians from partaking in "wanton acts of violence."

Home Minister Lalchamliana on Monday evening condemned the Assam government for intruding into Mizoram territory.

The Mizoram governmet, on the other hand, vehemently condemned the alleged unjustified act of its Assam counterpart for "intruding and aggression" into Mizoram territory.

In a video statement, Lalchamliana said around 200 armed police personnel led by IGP Assam Police accompanied by Cachar district Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police (SP) and Divisional Forest Officer reached Vairengte auto-rickshaw stand  around 11:30 am on Monday.

The team from Assam forcibly crossed the duty post manned by CRPF personnel stationed there and overran a duty post manned by one section of Mizoram police personnel, he said.

He also alleged that Assam Police damaged several vehicles that were travelling along the National Highway between Vairengte and Lailapur in Assam.

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