Assam Rifles Stops Mizoram Minister’s Convoy Multiple Times !

Assam Rifles Stops Mizoram Minister’s Convoy Multiple Times: A Breach of Constitutional Rights?

Albert Mapuia

A recent incident in Mizoram has raised serious concerns about the relationship between central forces and state authorities.

A senior state minister, who holds key portfolios including Power & Electricity, Commerce & Industries, and Printing & Stationery, and is also the MLA of Lengteng Assembly Constituency, was repeatedly stopped by the Assam Rifles during an official tour of his constituency.

The minister’s tour involved inspecting border areas near Myanmar and Manipur, which are crucial for maintaining both state security and development.

However, the series of stoppages by central paramilitary forces raises troubling questions about the conduct of the Assam Rifles and whether this overreach violates the constitutional autonomy of the state.

The first confrontation took place near Kawlbem village, a remote area on the Myanmar border. Despite the minister’s official status, his convoy was halted, and he was subjected to questioning by Assam Rifles personnel. Although he was eventually allowed to proceed after a brief discussion, this unnecessary delay sparked concerns about the respect—or lack thereof—for state authorities by central forces.

Repeated Stoppages: Intentional Disruption?

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What initially seemed like an isolated incident soon turned into a pattern. On his way back from Kawlbem, the minister’s convoy was stopped again, not once but twice—first near Ngopa town and later at Seling town. While the state police had to intervene at Seling to ensure that the minister’s convoy could pass through the Assam Rifles’ barricades without further hindrance, the situation escalated shortly afterward.

As the minister’s convoy crossed the Tuirial River on the way to Aizawl, the Assam Rifles once again attempted to stop him, this time laying spike strips across the road and even raising firearms in a show of force. Despite these aggressive tactics, no vehicle checks were conducted, nor were any of the other civilian vehicles passing through stopped for inspection.

This selective targeting of the minister’s convoy, without any legitimate security checks, has led to widespread speculation that the actions of the Assam Rifles were politically motivated.

A Clear Overreach?

The minister’s repeated stoppages in peaceful areas of Mizoram, where no disturbances have been reported, suggest an intentional attempt to disrupt the official tour of a state representative. The lack of vehicle checks on both the minister’s convoy and other vehicles in the area further undermines the justification provided by the Assam Rifles that they were conducting anti-smuggling operations. Instead, it appears that the minister was deliberately singled out.

The incident has sparked outrage among political observers and legal experts, who argue that the Assam Rifles’ actions amount to an overreach of authority. Mizoram is not classified as a disturbed area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), and law and order are the responsibility of the state government. Given this, the Assam Rifles’ repeated interference appears to undermine the state’s constitutional autonomy.

Border Security or Constitutional Violation?

While maintaining border security is undoubtedly one of the key functions of the Assam Rifles, particularly along the sensitive international boundary with Myanmar, this incident appears to extend beyond mere security concerns. Mizoram, in general, has enjoyed peace and stability, with the state government efficiently managing both law enforcement and border control. This raises serious questions about whether the actions of the Assam Rifles were warranted or whether they constitute a violation of protocol.

The use of spike strips and the display of firearms to stop a state minister’s convoy further fuel suspicions that these actions may not have been driven by security concerns alone. The minister, conducting his official duties in his home state, should not have been subjected to such treatment, which many see as a violation of both his constitutional rights and those of the state government.

Implications for State-Centre Relations

This incident is likely to reignite debates about the role of central forces in Mizoram and other Northeastern states, where the presence of paramilitary forces like the Assam Rifles is often viewed as excessive. While national security is a priority, it must be balanced with the respect for state autonomy, particularly in regions that are not under AFSPA jurisdiction.

In Mizoram, where peace has been maintained for decades, the actions of the Assam Rifles could be seen as undermining the trust between state authorities and the central government. The incident is also likely to provoke wider discussions about the constitutional rights of state officials and the overreach of central forces, especially when it comes to the movement and activities of elected representatives.

The Need for Accountability

The Mizoram government is expected to seek a formal explanation from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the Assam Rifles’ actions. For its part, the central government must provide a transparent and thorough account of why a state minister’s convoy was repeatedly stopped, despite no apparent security threat or evidence of wrongdoing. If the Assam Rifles were acting on valid intelligence or a credible threat, such information should have been communicated to the state government in a timely manner to avoid unnecessary tensions.

However, if it is found that these stoppages were arbitrary or politically motivated, accountability must follow. The repeated disruption of a state minister’s official duties, particularly in a peaceful region, sets a dangerous precedent for the relationship between central forces and state governments. In such cases, it is imperative that the central government ensures that state officials are treated with the respect and autonomy that the Constitution guarantees them.

The Broader Implications

This incident is not merely an isolated event but one that has the potential to affect the broader discourse on federalism in India. The delicate balance between state rights and central authority is crucial for maintaining harmony, particularly in a diverse and geographically complex country like India. Any indication that central forces are undermining the constitutional authority of state governments could lead to long-term repercussions, not just in Mizoram but across the Northeastern region.

The people of Mizoram, known for their peaceful coexistence and respect for democratic governance, will undoubtedly view this incident with concern. The targeting of a state minister’s convoy sends a troubling message about the respect for their elected representatives. As this issue unfolds, the response of the Ministry of Home Affairs will be closely scrutinized by all stakeholders concerned with preserving the federal structure of India.

While national security must always be safeguarded, it is equally important that the constitutional rights of states and their representatives are upheld. Mizoram, like any other state in the Union, deserves the autonomy to manage its internal affairs without undue interference from central forces.

18-10-2024

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