Mizoram students' body criticises govt on border issue with

Mizoram's apex students' body -- the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) -- has slammed the state government for its "inaction" in resolving the long-pending border dispute with Assam.

The MZP also warned the authorities that it would construct a resting shed at Zophai area along the Mizoram- Assam border "if the neighbouring state continues to violate the status quo".

Speaking to reporters at a press conference here, MZP president B Vanlaltana said there had been "inaction on the part of the state government to resolve the long-standing dispute".

The MZP president blamed a Masjid committee in Assam for allegedly constructing a mosque near Bairabi town despite an order to maintain status quo along the disputed land.

"We have asked the committee to immediately stop the construction. If they continue with it, we will strike back by building a resting shed at Zophai area," he said.

Vanlaltana claimed that a joint committee constituted by both the state governments in March 2018 had identified more than "100 illegal structures being constructed by Assam, within the 509-sq mile stretch of the Inner-Line Reserve Forest along the Mizoram-Assam border".

The students' body also said it has submitted "important documents" related to the border issue to the state government.

Officials of the Mizoram Home Department said the state government is making all possible efforts to resolve the border dispute.