Five officers of the Assam Police force were killed in violent clashes reported at the Assam-Mizoram border, Chief Minister Himanta Sarma said on Monday. This marks the latest developments in the tensions that arose in the northeastern border of Mizoram and Assam after eight farmers’ huts were set ablaze by unidentified miscreants along the border, reported PTI.

Home Minister Amit Shah has reportedly spoken to the chief ministers of both the states to address the matter. Amid rising tensions here are some highlights from the clashes that took place in the long-disputed border territory of Assam and Mizoram.

Also Read: Assam-Mizoram clash: History of violent border tension between two states

Deaths and Injuries

So far, five policemen have been killed and more than 60 people were injured in the violent clashes that occurred along the Mizoram-Assam border, reported PTI.

Assam’s statement

In its official statement on the dispute, Assam accused Mizoram of building a road and setting up an armed camp in Lailapur and for this purpose, Lailapur’s Reserve Forest area was destroyed. The state also said that Assam police forces were attacked by miscreants and later, the Mizoram police while resolving the situation.

Mizoram’s stance

Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana claimed that the state actions were merely retaliation by “spontaneous firing ” at Assam Police after Assam’s 200 personnel forcibly crossed a duty post manned by CRPF personnel and indulged in arson and firing and assaulted unarmed people, reported PTI.

Use of light machine guns

According to Himanta Biswa Das, CM of Assam, clear evidence has emerged that suggested the use of Light Machine Guns against the Assam Police personnel by Mizoram police. He claimed this in his tweet. Das condemned the action by Mizoram police.

Home Minister spoke to Assam and Mizoram’s chief

After violence was reported in the long-disputed border region, Home Minister Amit Shah talked to both the chief ministers and requested them to ensure peace in the region. 

Himanta Das vs Zoramthanga on Twitter

Earlier, the chief minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Das and Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga clashed on Twitter. Both posted videos of police personnel and miscreants attacking the other state and sought the home minister’s intervention in the matter.

Earlier dispute

The situation along the Mizoram-Assam border has been on the boil since June-end when Assam Police allegedly took control over an area known as ‘Aitlang hnar’ about 5 km from Vairengte.

Also Read: Tension escalates along Mizoram-Assam border: What we know so far

What triggered fresh violence

According to PTI, several crops and a tree belonging to a Mizoram farmer were also reportedly damaged during the “eviction drive’ to take control over an area known as ‘Aitlang hnar’, as claimed by Assam Police and officials at Buarchep near Phainuam village, on July 10.

On the same day, a grenade was allegedly hurled at an Assam government team visiting the border by unknown people. Both the states have been blaming each other for two back-to-back explosions across the border that took place in the early hours of July 11.