Aizawl, Mar 12: Mizoram opposition leader Lalrinsanga Ralte of the Mizo National Front (MNF) has called on the state government to bolster security along the Assam border, citing risks of provocations before Assam’s likely April assembly polls.

During Home department budget discussions, the Serlui MLA from Kolasib district which borders Assam claimed Assam often exploits border issues for electoral gains. “Mizoram must stay vigilant to prevent encroachments,” he stressed.

Ralte highlighted post-2021 clashes, where status quo agreements covered several spots. While Mizoram has upheld them, he alleged Assam has ignored the terms.

The 164.6 km border spans Mizoram’s Aizawl, Kolasib, and Mamit districts against Assam’s Cachar, Sribhumi, and Hailakandi. Rooted in 1875 and 1933 colonial demarcations, the dispute persists despite ongoing talks.

He criticized Mizoram’s “slow pace” in upgrading temporary Border Outposts (BOPs) into permanent structures, unlike Assam’s robust developments. “If security lapses occur, the government will be accountable,” Ralte warned.