Mizoram-Assam reps to discuss border dispute today

Aizwal, Mar. 20 (ANI): In a bid to resolve the border dispute between Mizoram's Kolasib district and Assam's Hailakandi district, talks would be held in the border village of Phaisen on Friday.

The Additional Superintendent of Police of Kolasib Lalthafamkima, said that a joint verification of the disputed site would be done by the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) of Vairengte and his Hailakandi counterpart.

The border dispute erupted between both states when Assam Forest Department officials reportedly assaulted a farmer for constructing a canal with funds received from the Centre through the Mizoram Agriculture and Minor Irrigation department.

Mizoram Government deployed a platoon of the first Indian Reserve Battalion at Phaisen on Wednesday with orders to open fire if Assam Police personnel started to shoot.

"There is no immediate sign of armed confrontation between the policemen of the two states even as the Assam government deployed a platoon of its armed police at Dolchhora, about three kilometres from Phaisen village," Lalthafamkima said.

The border dispute has erupted from a disagreement on the notifications issued under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873 and the clarification of Innerline Reserved Forest on the border areas between the two states.

In 1993, an armed confrontation between the police of the two states was averted by the intervention of the Home Ministry.

Since then, political talks to resolve the border dispute have never materialized. (ANI)