'AK-47, sniper rifles with Mizoram civilians': Assam CM defends travel advisory

• Assam defended issuing advisory to its people against travelling to neighbouring Mizoram. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said people shouldn't visit Mizoram till arms possessed by civilians are seized. “Mizoram civilians have access to arms so we have advised people not to travel. The situation there is not good, there are sniper rifles with the civilians. People should not visit Mizoram till arms possessed by civilians are seized,” he said. On Thursday, Assam govt issued a travel advisory asking people not to travel to Mizoram. Assam advised its people working or staying in Mizoram to 'exercise utmost caution’. The two states traded accusations over deployment of forces along the interstate border. The travel advisory was perhaps a first of its kind issued by any state govt. The advisory was signed by Assam Home Secretary MS Manivannan. Advisory came three days after both sides were locked in a gun battle near the boundary. The fierce gun battle left six Assam cops, a civilian dead & at least 50 others injured.