A large tract of forest land has been seized by Mizoram in Assam, as tension continues to simmer at the interstate border that saw a bloodbath that left six Assam Policemen dead after being shot by their counterparts on the other side.

The district forest officer for Cachar, Tejas Mariswamy, said, "Urban encroachment has been carried out by Armed Mizoram civilians backed by police officers. It was not an overnight success, but people from Mizoram took steps strategically and slowly".

The construction workers alleged they were attacked with stones and threatened with guns and other weapons. “The masked attackers were carrying guns but they didn’t shoot,” said the construction workers.

In contrast to chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's claim that not one inch of land belonging to Assam has been taken by the Mizos, DFO's revelation contradicts that claim. He had made the claim post the July 26 incident at Lailapur in Cachar district in which the Assam policemen were killed.

Assam's Mizos allegedly stopped work on a road following Mariswamy's statement. There is currently a construction project for the PMGSY road between Khulicherra and Baghewala, which is about four kilometers in length.

The police were even allegedly assaulted by Mizo civilians armed with weapons who were in the city obstructing Assam officials on duty. On Friday, they even forced Assam policemen to retreat from the area claiming the area belonged to Mizoram whereas the road is being constructed five kilometres from the border on Assam territory.

Cachar district superintendent of police, Ramandeep Kaur, had visited the site on Thursday where she found some Mizos camping. She said the matter has been reported to the higher authorities and instructions were awaited. The work is suspended, but will restart after receiving instructions, she added.

Assam's forest minister and legislator for Dholai, where the land lies, Parimal Suklabaidya, declined to confirm the claim.

Assam and Mizoram share a 265-kilometer border that has been disputed for many years. Since last year, there have been sporadic attacks culminating in at least one region. In order to resolve the dispute, an amicable settlement is currently under consideration.

Despite Mizoram citing a notification from 1875 to claim its territory, Assam is steadfast in its claim. In 1972, Mizoram became a state, after being carved out of Assam as the Lushai Hills district. It became a state in 1986 after becoming a union territory in 1972.

Image source: Outlook