At least six Assam police personnel were killed and 50 others, including an SP, were injured in a sudden escalation of the border dispute between Assam and Mizoram that also saw the two Chief Ministers engaging in a public spat as they blamed each other's police for the violence and sought the Centre's intervention.

"I am deeply pained to inform that six brave jawans of @assampolice have sacrificed their lives while defending the constitutional boundary of our state at the Assam-Mizoram border. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted.

I am deeply pained to inform that six brave jawans of @assampolice have sacrificed their lives while defending constitutional boundary of our state at the Assam-Mizoram border.

My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 26, 2021

However, Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana, in a statement, said Mizoram Police responded "spontaneously by firing back" at Assam Police after its 200 personnel forcibly crossed a duty post manned by the CRPF personnel and indulged in arson, assault on unarmed persons and firing.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Chief Ministers of Assam and Mizoram and asked them to ensure peaceful resolution of the dispute, sources said. During his separate telephonic conversations with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga, Shah asked them to maintain peace along the inter-state border where tension prevails, the sources said.

Also Read: Fresh tension escalates at Assam-Mizoram border; see what is the years-old dispute about

The Home Minister asked the Chief Ministers to resolve the border issue mutually. Both Chief Ministers have assured the Home Minister that the needful will be done to ensure peace and resolve the border issue amicably. Police forces from both states are expected to return from the disputed site, the sources said.

Assam's Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi share a 164 km long border with Mizoram's three districts of Aizawl, Kolasib and Mamit. Following a territorial dispute, there were clashes along the inter-state border in August 2020 and February this year.

(With inputs from PTI)

(Edited by : Aditi Gautam)

First Published:Jul 26, 2021 8:27 PM IST