The proposed inspection of Inner Line Reserved Forest which formed the natural boundary of Assam-Mizoram border will be conducted on April 12, by a joint committee which consists of officials and civil organization from Assam and Mizoram.
The Inner Line Reserved Forest which covers 509 square kilometres are being encroached by both the states of Assam and Mizoram, sources said. The committee headed jointly by Cachar chief conservator of forest Dr Vinay Gupta and Mizoram Central Circle conservator of forest Lalthlamuana Pachuau was held at Dholai in Cachar district on Monday, the committee resolved to inspect elements of encroachments along the Inner Line Reserved Forest.
The meeting was attended by Kolasib DC R Zarzosanga, Kolasib SP Abhishek Dhania, 1st IR Bn. commandant HL Thlangzuala, representatives of the Mizo Zirlai Pawl, Vairengte joint village council president Zalalalawta, Kawrthah DFO, Kolasib DFO and Vairengte SDPO. The Assam team was represented by DIG (SR) D Ipadhaya, Hailakandi DC, Hailakandi SP, Cachar and Hailakandi DFO, Cachar Additional DC, Katicherra SDO (Civil) and five representatives of civil societies.
The committee decided to start inspecting the Inner Line Reserve from Zophai in Bairabi area, and will proceed to Phaisen, Vairengte, Lailapur, Aitlang and areas of contention.
The joint committee has been entrusted the task of inspection after a meeting at Zophai headed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) joint secretary Satyendra Garg held on March 28, 2018 at Zophai. The committee was directed to finish the inspection by April 30, 2018.