Cachar Guardian Minister Ashok Singhal talks tough

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Silchar: Guardian Minister of Cachar Ashok Singhal could feel the simmering anger and indignation of cross sections of people during his interactions with them. He said, "Hence, it will be bullet for bullet for any act of aggression by Mizos." He was also witness to the day long spontaneous bandh and the continuing economic blockade against Mizoram. 306 NH connecting the valley with the hill state is under siege and the rail lines between Katakhal and Bhairobi are uprooted. Police jawans recovering in SMCH and even commoners interviewed by national news channels regret why no order came from the higher ups to retaliate by firing.

Ashok Singhal who on Thursday visited Lilapur, the scene of violence, along with Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, DC Keerthi Jalli, MP Dr Rajdeep Roy, and MLA Dipayan Chakraborty saw for himself how a hushed silence along the border prevails and the people living close to Mizo hills are in panic. A video shows armed Mizo police personnel from hill tops are keeping watch around and any one transgressing through their illegally occupied Assam land is warned 'Not to proceed further. Go down.'

Addressing the people before Lilapur police outpost, the Guardian Minister said, "We are here to meet you and reassure you that henceforth the acts of aggression by Mizo civilians and police will be dealt with tough hand." He did come and speak words to console them and remove fear from their mind. But, reports from the interior villages and forested areas Khulicherra, French Nagar, Dholaikhal, Singora, Karkatbasti in Cachar, Bhurirband, Chiragi in Karimganj and Gutguti and down- stream areas of Hailakandi say the residents are living in perennial panic.

Mizos continue to be recalcitrant. Despite talks in New Delhi, Zoramthanga government has not withdrawn its armed battalion from Lilapur check gate, 3 km deep inside Assam territory. What is worrisome is that Mizo youths are armed with pistols and arms and are backed by their armed battalion. Knowledgeable circles ask, can it happen without the tacit support of their government? It is high time Assam Government thinks over its strategic policy.

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