New Delhi (TIP): A neutral central force will be deployed along the disturbed Assam-Mizoram border where five policemen and a civilian were killed following a clash recently, officials said on July 28.

The decision was taken after a two-hour-long meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and attended by Assam Chief Secretary Jishnu Baruah and Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta and their Mizoram counterparts Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and SBK Singh, respectively.

Both state governments have agreed for the deployment of a neutral Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) at the disturbed interstate border along the National Highway 306, a Home Ministry official said.

The neutral force will be commanded by a senior officer of the CAPF. Besides, to facilitate the functioning of the force, both state governments will work out arrangements in coordination with the Union Home Ministry within a reasonable timeframe.

The Home Secretary also conveyed to the delegations of Assam and Mizoram that the two governments should continue discussions mutually to resolve the border issue in an amicable manner.

The Chief Secretaries and the police heads of Assam and Mizoram were called by the Union Home Ministry to resolve the ongoing border conflict between the two states.

“The central government is concerned over the Assam-Mizoram border dispute which led to violence and deaths of six persons. The objective of the meeting is to lower the tension, bring peace and possibly find a solution,” a senior MHA official said.

Later, the Mizoram Chief Secretary said the situation along the interstate border was currently peaceful and it was agreed in the meeting that everyone would try to maintain peace and there was no point in indulging in violence.

State forces were being withdrawn from the disputed area, he said. The Assam Chief Secretary said the CAPF would take over the responsibility of the interstate border. The process of withdrawal of state police forces was being worked out, he said.

Director General of CRPF Kuldiep Singh was also present in the meeting as the personnel of the paramilitary force have been deployed in the Assam-Mizoram border areas where tension is high.

Assam’s Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi share a 164-km border with three Mizoram districts of Aizawl, Kolasib and Mamit.          Source: TNS