Assam to withdraw FIR against Mizoram MP in border row

Guwahati, August 2

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said he had ordered the police to withdraw the FIR against Mizoram MP K Vanlalvena.

Sarma, however, said the police cases filed against six Mizoram government officials would continue to be probed for their alleged role in the deadly gun battle along the inter-state border at Lailapur in Cachar district.

In a series of tweets, Sarma also lauded the efforts of Mizoram CM Zoramthanga to settle the border dispute between the two northeastern states.

"I have noted statements in media by Honble CM @ZoramthangaCM wherein he has expressed his desire to settle the border dispute amicably. Assam always wants to keep the spirit of North East alive," Sarma said.

He said that Assam is also committed to ensuring peace along its borders.

"To take this goodwill gesture ahead, I have directed @assampolice to withdraw FIR against K Vanlalvena, Honble MP, Rajya Sabha from Mizoram. However, cases against other accused police officers will be pursued," Sarma said.

An Assam Police team went to New Delhi last week and pasted a summons at the door of Vanlalvena's residence for interrogation after his alleged statement threatening to kill more personnel if they crossed over to Mizoram.

Assam Police also on July 28 issued summons to six officials of the Mizoram government, including the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police of Kolasib district, and ordered them to appear at Dholai police station on Monday.

Mizoram Police also lodged an FIR against Sarma and six Assam officials on various charges, including attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, at Vairengte police station on July 26 after the gunfight.

Mizoram Chief Secretary Lalnunmawia Chuango on Sunday said his government was ready to withdraw the FIR filed against Sarma as that was not approved by Zoramthanga.

At least six Assam Police personnel and one civilian were killed and more than 50 people injured as the festering border dispute between the two northeastern states erupted into a bloody conflict on July 26.

The Assam-Mizoram border in Cachar district remained calm on Monday.

Senior officials said the situation in and around Lailapur, the place of the clash, along the inter-state border remained peaceful as a large number of CRPF troops are patrolling the National Highway-306. PTI