Assam Issues Travel Advisory For Mizoram. Here Is What It Says
In an unprecedented move following the clashes at the inter-state border earlier this week, the Assam government issued a travel advisory for state residents asking them to avoid travelling to Mizoram.
"Given the critical prevailing situation, the people of Assam are advised not to travel to Mizoram as any threat to the personal safety of people of Assam cannot be accepted," said the advisory issued by MS Manivannan, Commissioner and secretary, Home and political department.
"Exercise utmost cautiom"
The Assam government also asked the people of Assam, staying in Mizoram due to work-related compulsion, to "exercise utmost caution".
The government noted that these advisories will come into force with immediate effect and be given publicity for wider public knowledge and adherence.
Assam notification
Meanwhile, Assam police also issued a notification saying that in order to check trafficking of illicit drugs, all incoming vehicles from Mizoram will be thoroughly checked at all the entry points along the Assam Mizoram border.
Reacting to the advisory by the Assam government, the Congress said it was an embarrassing day for the country.
Taking to Twitter, Congress general secretary and chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala cited the Assam government's travel advisory and questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah should continue to hold their posts.
"Most embarrassing day in the history of the country! When the countrymen are unable to move from one province to another, do the Chief Minister and Home Minister have the right to continue in their posts? If Modi is there then this is possible!" he said.
Meanwhile, the Mizoram government said the "economic blockade" by people of Assam's Barak Valley is unlikely to hit hard the supply of essential commodities to the state as before because the state government has facilitated the transportation of oil, cooking gas and other items, including rice, from two other neighbouring states.
Mizoram Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister K Lalrinliana said that the state government has begun transporting petrol and diesel from Tripura from Wednesday.
"Some oil tankers are expected to arrive in Aizawl from Tripura by Friday. We will also send seven oil tankers and another four trucks to transport LPG from Agartala on Friday," he told PTI.
"As of now, we have sufficient rice stocks for at least three months. Other essential commodities are also coming in and some traders from Tripura have already entered Mizoram," he said.
NH 306 blocked
Earlier on Wednesday, the Mizoram government had written to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), seeking its intervention to lift the economic blockade on National Highway 306 in Assam.
NH 306 is the lifeline of Mizoram linking the northeastern state with the rest of the country through Assam's Silchar.
On Monday, the border dispute between the two states peaked and a fierce gun battle between the forces of the two states resulted in the death of five Assam police personnel and one civilian.
One injured policeman succumbed to his injuries later taking the total number of policemen killed to six.
At least 50 people were injured in the incident.
