Guwahati: A day after the border clashes between Assam and Mizoram which resulted in the death of five Assam Police personnel and around 60 being injured, the Assam Government has decided to approach the Supreme Court seeking protection of Inner-line Forest Reserve from destruction and encroachment.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that satellite images have shown that roads are being constructed and forest areas were cleared for jhum cultivation by the Mizoram side. He added, “We will move the Supreme Court to ensure the protection of the forests.”
Sarma said, “The dispute is not over land but over the invasion of reserved forests. We have no settlements in the forest area, if Mizoram can provide proof we will proceed immediately with the deportation.”
Sarma further added that the neighboring state will not be allowed to take even an inch of Assam’s land. “Here in Assam people have sacrificed their lives to save the boundary and we will continue to do so at any cost”, he added.
Both the states have been asked to remove their forces from the border post after the violence took place between the security personnel and the civilians by the Central Government.
Sarma said that respecting the center’s decision Assam has moved its police forces 100 meters from the post.
“To make the security strong three commando battalions will be placed in Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi districts”, he further added.
On Monday evening, at least five Assam Police personnel were allegedly killed in firing by the Mizoram Police during a clash related to a border dispute. Along with the deaths, more than 60 persons including the Superintendent of Cachar was reported to be injured during the clash.