The student body blamed the state government for its inaction to discuss the Mizoram-Assam border issue

Mizoram’s apex student body, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), on Wednesday accused the Assam government of breaching the status quo on the disputed land along the Mizoram-Assam border.

MZP general secretary Lalnunmawia Pautu alleged that the mosque, which was damaged in a blast by unidentified persons on May 24 at Zophai near Bairabi town, has been rebuilt by Assam.

A shop and concrete building have also been constructed near the mosque, he said.

Pautu said the state body on Tuesday wrote to chief minister Zoramthanga, imploring him to take measures so that the newly-constructed structures are demolished.

The letter said the Centre has directed both the state governments to maintain status quo at Zophai, which is a disputed land.

While Mizoram did not erect any structure on the disputed land, the construction of a mosque, shop and building by Assam was regretful, the letter said.

The student body also blamed the state government for its inaction to convene a meeting of the core committee to discuss the border issue.

The committee involving the Mizoram government, student bodies and other NGOs was formed by the state government in April last year to oversee the border dispute.

Pautu said the meeting of the committee, which was scheduled for Thursday, has been postponed because the chief minister will grace a “meet the heroes” conference on that day.

He said the state government will soon call a meeting on the border issue.

Zophai along the Mizoram-Assam border is a disputed land claimed by both the states.

Border standoff took

place in the area when MZP functionaries attempted to construct a resting shed there in March last year, which forced the Union ministry of home affairs to interfere in the matter.

At a secretary-level talks between Assam and Mizoram held in New Delhi in March last year, the Centre had directed both the state governments to maintain status quo on the disputed land.

A joint committee was also constituted by both the governments under the Union home ministry then.

The committee carried out inspection of illegal structures in the inner line reserved forest area, which was suspended again following a dispute at zero point in Dholchera-Phaisen in April last year.