A group of Mizo farmers in Aitlang, Vairengte submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Zoramthanga, seeking for the intervention of the state government to reclaim the vast tract of farmlands (144 acres approx) worth Rs. 20 lakh in the hands of Assam Police.
18 families owned farmlands in Aitlang and the farm produce is their sole source of income where they have invested money and hard labour for almost 50 years. In the meorandum, the farmers stated the chain of events which followed the violent clash at Vairengte on 26 July, 2021. They complained that Assam Police have seized the Mizo farms in this area on 29 July, 2021 and have built police camp within the territory. The farmers also complained that the Assam Police destroyed large areas of crops and vegetation by spraying harmful chemicals. This inhuman act of encroachment hurt the sentiments of the Mizo farmers many of whom are dependent on the farm produce for their living. These farmlands have sustained many of the local residents in and around the area for more than 50 years with an annual produce worth Rs. 20 lakhs. In the memorandum, the farmers stated that they could not understand why the Assam Police have trespassed into their lands and destroyed the farms which clearly fall within Mizoram territory. They also expressed their fear and concern that if the sate government fails to take quick action regarding the matter, other farmers might also lose their farms in the hands of the Assam Police.
Mizo farmers in villages close to the Assam- Mizoram border have always been the unfortunate victims of any border clash. Several crops and betel nut trees belonging to a Mizo farmer were damaged by Assam Police when they entered Buarchep near Phainuam village in Mizoram on 10 July, 2021. Another tragic incident happened on 25 July, 2021, when eight farm huts belonging to Mizo farmers from Vairengte were burned down by unidentified miscreants from Assam. Many of these farmers cultivate betel nut in their farms which they supply for sale in the market. There are also some farmers who grow fruits and other vegetables for sale and self- consumption.
The memorandum, signed by 18 farmers, requests the government of Mizoram to take necessary measures and actions to reclaim the Mizo farmlands occupied by Assam Police.
