Assam has decided to move the Supreme Court over ‘encroachment’ of forest lands.
This development comes just a day after a bloody clash took place along the Assam-Mizoram border.
The Assam Government will move the Supreme Court seeking protection of Innerline Forest Reserve from encroachment.
This was informed by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday in Silchar.
The Assam chief minister said that satellite images show construction of roads and jhum cultivation by clearing of forests.
“The Assam Government will move the Supreme Court to ensure protection of forests,” said chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma while briefing the media in Silchar.
Sarma further said that the dispute between Assam and Mizoram is not about land, but about encroachment in reserve forests.
At least five Assam Police personnel and one civilian lost their lives after Mizoram police opened fire.
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Moreover, the Assam chief minister has claimed that Mizoram Police had opened fire with light machine guns (LMGs) on Monday that claimed the lives of five Assam Police personnel.
“Mizoram had opened fire with light machine guns (LMGs) for about 30 to 35 minutes that claimed the lives of five Assam Police personnel. It was really unfortunate,” said Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also said that Assam will not open fire even if the entire district of Cachar is occupied by Mizoram.
“I cannot allow Assam Police to open fire on civilians. Children might get killed. We cannot kill innocent people. Assam will not launch counter attacks. We will defend our land and even die for it but not retaliate by opening fire,” said CM Sarma.