After a two week long economic blockade imposed by Assam following the border clash at Vairengte, tensions have been brewing in the border area regarding the stoppage of essential goods to Mizoram. This has led to the attack of vehicles bound towards Mizoram by civilians at Lailapur today, shortly after Assam government agreed to escort the vehicles headed towards Mizoram.The vehicles were given the green signal following the assurance given by Cachar SP to provide protection. The vehicles carrying medicines, petrol, gas and other essential commodities departed from Silchar today in the afternoon around 3:43pm.
The incident took place after the Assam ministers who were were reported visiting Lailapur, assured that it was safe for the Mizoram bound vehicles to move ahead. The vehicles made a short stop near Sonabarighat, 15Kms from Silchar and proceeded wih the journey more only to be attacked by angry mobs that had gathered before Lailapur Police check gate. The vehicles, along with the goods and supplies, were heavily damaged and drivers had to flee from the area with physical injuries.
It was two days ago that the state representatives of Assam and Mizoram released a joint press statement to provide "peaceful solution" regarding the border crisis. The two states also voiced their consent regarding the Central government's suggestion to post neutral force at the border region. However, the CRPF assigned by the Central Govt. and Assam Police were present at the venue while the incident took place today, but their presence failed to prevent the unforseen attack by the Lailapur civilians. Though the Assam government denies having a hand in the road blcok, BJP MLAs in Silchar have voiced their support on social media regarding the economic blockade
