BUBSSS demands tripartite talks to resolve Assam - Mizoram border dispute

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: Barak Upatyaka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan (BUBSSS) has demanded tripartite talks involving the Centre, Assam and Mizoram to resolve border dispute, hanging for years. The Union Home Ministry has to take the initiative in this regard. The July 26 incident has been described as ominous. For years the vaccination on sensitive issue by the states concerned with the Centre maintaining safe distance has added to the complexity of the problem which often erupts into violent confrontations. This has to stop, opined learned participants at a discussion organised by BUBSSS recently.

The soft attitude of Zoramthanga government and its eagerness to hold bilateral dialogue is no doubt welcomed, but is there any hidden agenda behind its facade? Such question crops up from past happenings on the boundary lines. There is no easing of tension in the disturbed areas. Rather divisive elements acting on instigation of some extraneous forces want to create an uneasy situation in Barak Valley, observed the distinguished participants.

Well known writer and research scholar, Vivekananda Mohanta, cited from historical records several armed aggressive incursions by Mizos from Lushai Hills on the south eastern parts of the Valley, targeting tribal groups and tea estates since 1767. British government tried to rein in them by introducing Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1875, bringing into effect the demarcation of the border of Lushai Hills and Inner Line Permit. But, it could not.

Taimur Raja Chowdhury, distinguished journalist and president of Banga Sahitya o Sanskriti Sammelan, said that no serious efforts have been made to demarcate the boundaries of the two states, covering an area of 164.5 kms. This has acted as a tinderbox. He quoted how in 2011 when Border Roads Task Force handed over the construction of Silchar-Aizawl Road to Assam PWD, end point of the road was brought 5 km down from the interstate gate of Vereingte towards Lilapur of Assam. No protest was lodged by Assam or its PWD (R).

Gautom Prasad Dutta, general secretary of BUBSSS, said when Lushai Hills district was separated from Assam and declared a union territory after the enactment of Reorganisation of North Eastern States Act of 1972, UHM did not take any steps to demarcate the boundary. Mizo National Front (MNF) led by Laldenga surrendered in 1985 and signed Peace Pact in the presence of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. In 1987, Mizoram attained a full-fledged state. But, the important boundary demarcation was pushed to the back burner. Assam is at the receiving end with 1777.5 hectares of its land under Mizoram domination. And that is the smouldering point, observed Gautom Prasad Dutta.

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