Assam withdraws FIR against Mizoram MP Vanlalvena as a gesture of goodwill

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, August 1, directed state police to withdraw the FIR registered against Rajya Sabha MP K. Vanlalvena of the Mizo National Front as a "goodwill gesture".

While the FIR against parliament member K. Vanlalvena has been rescinded, Sarma noted that the cases filed against other police officers will be pursued. The FIRs were filed after a violent border clash between Assam and Mizoram on July 26 which resulted in the deaths of six police officers, one civilian and injured at least 50 people.

Sarma took to Twitter late Sunday to express his commitment to ensuring peace along Assam's borders, noting that 'Assam always wants to keep the spirit of northeast alive'. He also tweeted: "To take this goodwill gesture ahead, I have directed Assam Police to withdraw FIR against K Vanlalvena, Hon'ble MP, Rajya Sabha from Mizoram. However, cases against other accused police officers will be pursued."

The move comes after Chief Minister of Mizoram, Zoramthanga, on Sunday tweeted that Mizoram and Assam will resolve the border dispute amicably. The statement followed a telephonic call with Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma. Zoramthanga also tweeted: "In the meantime, in order to prevent any possible escalation of the situation, I request the people of Mizoram to avoid posting sensitive messages and make judicious use of social media platforms."

The centre has restricted both states' officers from carrying firearms in the border conflict zone, between Mizoram's Kolasib and Assam's Cachar districts, reported NDTV. Additionally, the centre has directed both states to resume the movement of essentials and emergency supplies.

The Assam government had issued a 'travel advisory' on July 31 asking people not to travel to Mizoram and was met with criticism and subsequent withdrawal of the advisory.

The clashes on July 26 took place after escalated disagreements over Mizoram's alleged construction on disputed territory. The land in question is a 198-square-mile stretch on the interstate border of Assam and Mizoram, falling under Assam's Dhalai of Cachar district and Mizoram town Vairengte, in the Kolasib district.