AIZAWL, April 3 - The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Mizoram�s apex students� body, today submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the long-standing border dispute between Assam and Mizoram.
The MZP reiterated that the boundary line demarcated in 1875 under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 during the British rule is the only boundary between Assam and Mizoram accepted by the Government and the people of Mizoram.
�The boundary line established during the British rule in 1875 under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 is accepted as the international boundary between the British and Lushai territory (Mizoram). The 46 boundary pillars erected in the border to demarcate the territory/boundary of Mizoram and Cachar (Assam) during the British rule is still considered as the Inner Line; besides this Inner Line there is no proper border stone to demarcate Mizoram-Assam border. Thus, the Mizo people want to go back to the original boundary marked in 1875,� the memorandum stated.
The MZP stated that the area where it planned to construct a rest shed called Zofate Chawlhbuk, that triggered fresh tensions over the border issue last month, is �well within Mizoram.� The memorandum stated that the plot of land belongs the first Chief Minister of Mizoram, late Ch Chhunga (L).
�Even a Land Settlement Certificate (LSC) record has been maintained since 1987. Tax has also been paid to the Mizoram Government with the latest payment on March 5, 2018,� the memorandum stated. The plot of land was donated to the MZP by Lalrothangi, the widow of Ch Chhunga.
The MZP maintained that its plan to construct a rest shed at the place, which is under Mizoram territory, is not illegal. The memorandum further stated that the residents of Hailakandi district in Assam where the disputed area lies are mostly illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. It can be proved from the report made by the National Register of Citizens (Prime Minister Vision Report).
�The report shows that about 98% are illegal immigrants and out of which (sic) 60% are Muslims and 38% are Hindus. This report is made after the 3 days survey (November 29-December 1, 2017) done in Hailakandi district. Based on this report it is evident that majority of the population living in Hailakandi are not Indian Citizens or even Assamese (indigenous peoples of Assam),� the memorandum pointed out.
In the run-up to the 2014 general election, BJP�s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, during his visit to Assam, had focused on the issue of illegal immigration and assured that he would work towards deportation of foreigners from the country. �The north-eastern States have been dealing with illegal immigrants and have suffered immensely. We were really excited and hopeful when we found out about the Prime Minister�s resolution to help out with this issue,� the memorandum further said.
Zeliangrong meet inconclusive
Dimapur, April 3 - The consultative meeting called by Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) to discuss the situation arising out of the NSCN (I-M)�s decision to recognise Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei � collectively known as Zeliangrong � as three separate tribes, at Jalukie town in Peren district today remained inconclusive as no resolution was adopted.
Sources said a resolution on the issue could not be passed as only 35 representatives from among Zeliangrong civil organisations, social leaders, politicians, government officers, intellectuals, scholars, academicians, religious leaders, women leaders, members of village authorities, gaonburhas and others called to the meeting were present. The tatar hoho (parliament) of the NSCN (I-M) in a meeting at its headquarters on March 23 recognised Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei as separate tribal communities. The Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) termed the decision of the NSCN (I-M) �arbitrary� and called the consultative meeting to discuss the issue. � Correspondent
