Aizawl, Nov 8: Mizoram Chief Secretary, Lalnunmawia Chuaungo said that Mizoram Police shall be replaced by Border Security Force (BSF) at the Assam-Mizoram border and stranded trucks will be released as Assam will call off the barring of National Highway tonight.

“Three companies of the BSF will be stationed at various border towns on Mizoram side”, said Chuaungo, while addressing the press after holding video conference meeting with his Assam counterparts and Union Home Secretary.

Assam and Mizoram share 164.6. km of border.

Since October 18, 2020, the Union Home Secretary and Mizoram Chief Secretary have been in touch to ease the tension between Assam and Mizoram over the border dispute. At present, three companies of BSF have reached Mizoram.

He said that the three companies of BSF will be stationed at the border towns of Vairengte (1 company and 1 platoon), Saihapui (2 platoons) and Thinghlun (1 company).

Assam has been demanding for State police on both sides to be withdrawn to which Mizoram government has been unable to comply at first due to threat of security for Mizos living at the bordering towns of Assam.

Mizoram Chief Secretary stated that the contested boundary can only be resolved through dialogue and negotiation. He stated that the agenda of the day’s video conference with Union Home Secretary is partial withdrawal of forces  by Mizoram and clearing of the National Highway by Assam, adding that Mizoram will withdraw its forces only after BSF personnel take up their posts.

Mizoram Chief Secretary also expressed his regrets and condolences over the death of Imtiaz Ali while in the custody of Mizoram police at Vairengte; and the two bomb blasts that occurred at a school at Phainuam, both within Kolasib district of Assam-Mizoram border.

“Cases have been registered with the Mizoram police as both incidents occurred within Mizoram boundary. The Mizoram police is currently carrying out investigations”, he informed.