Do not visit Mizoram: Assam travel advisory for its people

GUWAHATI: Days after the interstate border skirmishes that left six Assam Police personnel dead and dozens others injured, the Assam government on Thursday issued a travel advisory, asking the people of the state not to travel to Mizoram.

The government pointed out some recent incidents of border skirmishes along the Mizoram border in Assam’s Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj districts. They together share the 164.6 km border.

"Even after this (July 26) incident, certain Mizo civil society, students and youth organisations are constantly issuing provocative statements against Assam and its people…

"It has been reliably learnt from video footage available with Assam Police that many civilians are heavily armed with automatic weapons etc. In view of the above and with the purpose of ensuring safety and security, a travel advisory is hereby issued to all the people of Assam...

"The people are advised not to travel to Mizoram as any threat to personal safety of people of Assam cannot be accepted," the advisory issued by MS Manivannan, Commissioner and Secretary, Home and Political Department, read.

The government advised the people of Assam, staying in Mizoram for work-related compulsion, to exercise utmost caution.

In an order, the government said it would frisk every vehicle that would enter Assam from Mizoram.

"In order to check the trafficking of illicit drugs, it is felt necessary to check all vehicles entering Assam from Mizoram. Such vehicles will be thoroughly checked by Assam Police. These vehicles shall be released only after due satisfaction of an officer, not below the rank of sub-inspector of police, that no illicit drugs are carried in the vehicles," the order reads.

Given the skirmishes and the tense situation that prevails on the interstate border, the government in a circular directed the District Magistrates of Kamrup (Metro) and Cachar to ensure the safety and security of all persons staying at Mizoram Houses in Guwahati and Silchar.

The government also asked the other DMs across the state to ensure the safety and security of people from Mizoram in their districts.