Assam Rifles Posts Allegedly Face Electricity Outage After Row With Mizoram Power Minister

The Assam Rifles on Saturday (19 October) said that a power outage that affected their posts across Mizoram for several hours after its soldiers allegedly stopped the convoy of Mizoram Power Minister F Rodingliana.

On Friday (18 October), Rodingliana claimed that his convoy had been stopped by Assam Rifles personnel near the outskirts of Aizawl while he was returning from Champhai, sparking a confrontation between his officials and the paramilitary soldiers.

According to an official statement, the power outage that affected Assam Rifles’ posts and various locations in Mizoram after the incident jeopardises operational readiness and poses a security risk in border (Myanmar) areas.

"The power outage (on Thursday) affecting Assam Rifles posts across Mizoram appears to be a deliberate move aimed at obstructing their operations," the statement said, NDTV reported.

According to media reports, the electricity supply was restored after six to seven hours, following a request made by Assam Rifles commanders to Chief Minister Lalduhoma.

Assam Rifles stated that a mobile vehicle checkpoint was established near Zokhawsang on 17 October, based on intelligence inputs about the possible transport of weapons.

"When the convoy of Rodingliana, comprising four vehicles, approached the checkpoint, the minister's vehicle was allowed to pass as per standard procedures. However, the convoy voluntarily stopped at the location where routine checks were being conducted on civilian vehicles. This contradicts the claim that Assam Rifles forcibly halted the convoy," the statement said.

The statement added that the minister’s public secretary exited his vehicle, removed his jacket, verbally abused the Assam Rifles personnel on duty and forcibly took body cameras from the soldiers, while other members of the convoy engaged in disruptive behaviour, including unpatriotic remarks.

"Assam Rifles has consistently worked harmoniously with the Mizoram government, civil society organisations, and local communities, and has built strong relationships. The Power Minister appears to have acted on his own accord," the force said in the statement.

The Assam Rifles is responsible for guarding the 510-km India-Myanmar border in Mizoram and plays a critical role in combating illegal drug trafficking under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, according to the statement.

In 2024 alone, Assam Rifles have conducted over 130 operations, seizing drugs worth more than Rs 690 crore, primarily from areas near the Myanmar border.

The reports concerning the incident involving the convoy of the minister and Assam Rifles on 17 October are "misleading, malicious, and seem intended to damage the reputation of Assam Rifles," the statement added.

Opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) accused Assam Rifles soldiers of 'misbehaving' with the minister, while Congress MLA C Ngunlianchunga and party president Lal Thanzara also condemned the incident, calling it “most unfortunate.”

Mizoram’s student group, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), along with the youth wing of the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), claimed Assam Rifles’ actions were an insult to the Mizo people, who had elected the minister.

MZP announced plans to file a complaint with the Home Ministry regarding the incident.

Also Read: Jharkhand Assembly Polls: BJP Unveils First List Of 66 Candidates; Former CM Marandi To Contest From Dhanwar, Champai Soren From Saraikela