Inter-state border firing: Assam Police lodge case, probe Mizoram MP’s role

Assam Police said an investigation team is leaving for Delhi “to take lawful action relating to the conspiracy behind the incident in light of media interview of Rajya Sabha MP K Vanlalvena, indicative of his active role in the conspiracy”. It did not provide details of the interview or its contents

The Assam Police are probing the role of a Parliament Member of Mizoram’s ruling party in the alleged conspiracy behind the border clashes along the disputed border between the two northeastern states on Monday.

Police personnel during a clash at Assam-Mizoram border at Lailapur in Cachar district on Monday, July 26. (File photo)

In a statement on Wednesday, the Assam Police said an investigation team is leaving for Delhi “to take lawful action relating to the conspiracy behind the incident in light of media interview of Rajya Sabha MP (Member of Parliament) K Vanlalvena, indicative of his active role in the conspiracy”. It did not provide details of the interview or its contents.

But people aware of the matter said Vanlalvena reportedly told a Hindi news channel that Assam Police were lucky that all of them were not killed after entering the Mizoram territory. He allegedly threatened that if Assam Police enter into his state’s territory again, all will be killed. HT could not verify the contents of the interview.

Vanlalvena, who belongs to the ruling Mizo National Front, could not be contacted for his comments.

The statement said the Assam Police have lodged a case under the Arms Act, the Damage to Public Property Act and Indian Penal Code’s Sections related to murder, criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, endangering human lives, attempt to murder, causing grievous hurt to a public servant over the deaths of six people in the clashes. Cash rewards of ₹5 lakh each have also been announced for information that leads to arrests of those involved. “Assam police has already prepared a picture gallery, which is being further updated, of Mizoram Police personnel and civilian miscreants who fired at Assam Police. They would be brought to law,” it said.

The clashes left 41 people injured on the Assam side while Mizoram has not issued details of any injuries on its side. The two states have been blaming each other for starting the shooting.

Mizoram home minister Lalchamliana on Tuesday blamed around 200 Assam Police personnel for forcibly entering into his state and resorting to violence. He maintained the Assam Police fired first and that the Mizoram Police retaliated. In a tweet, Assam Police rejected the claim.