A confrontation unfolded today at Zemabawk, Aizawl, Mizoram between the convoy of Mizoram’s Minister of Power & Electricity, Commerce & Industries, Printing & Stationary, Pu F. Rodingliana, and Assam Rifles personnel manning a Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP). The incident, which took place in the afternoon, saw accusations of power misuse by the minister's office and allegations of misbehavior toward the security forces.
According to Assam Rifles, the minister's convoy approached the MVCP on the Aizawl-Champhai road, where Assam Rifles had set up a barricade following intelligence inputs regarding potential weapon smuggling activities. The roadblock was part of routine security measures, with all vehicles being checked. However, upon the minister's arrival, the situation took an unexpected turn. Later in the evening, Assam Rifles reported that electricity to the 23 Sector Headquarters in Mizoram, 2 Assam Rifle Battalion had been cut off. The affected locations include Zokhawsang, Hnahlan, Vaikhatlang, Kawlbem, Ngopa, and Mimbung, causing significant inconvenience to the armed forces stationed there.
Minister's Convoy Delays Passage
Despite an empty road, the minister's convoy reportedly refused to move after Assam Rifles personnel swiftly removed the barricade to allow passage for the high-profile vehicle. It is alleged that Pu F. Rodingliana expressed anger that the barricade had not been removed prior to his arrival. Consequently, the convoy remained halted for two hours, blocking the route. Sources close to the minister’s office claim that Assam Rifles had stopped his convoy on various occasions in the past for security checks, which contributed to the escalation of today’s incident.
Allegations of Misbehavior
Tensions escalated when the minister’s Private Secretary (PS) reportedly began shouting at the Assam Rifles personnel on duty. Eyewitnesses claim and circulated videos shows the PS verbally abused the security forces and physically pushed one of the officers. He allegedly challenged the personnel for not clearing the path for the minister's convoy immediately, despite the road being cleared shortly after the convoy’s arrival. Additionally, the PS allegedly attempted to prevent the recording of the incident and reportedly confiscated a body camera containing confidential national security data, according to Assam Rifles.
Assam Rifles Responds with Restraint
Despite the verbal abuse and alleged physical confrontation, Assam Rifles personnel maintained their composure and did not retaliate. They removed the barricade promptly upon recognizing the minister’s vehicle, but the convoy chose to remain at the spot for an extended period, blocking the road for other travelers. Assam Rifles personnel expressed frustration, stating that while they respect the minister as an elected representative, his convoy’s actions disrupted their duties and caused inconvenience to the public.
Historical Tensions
This incident follows a pattern of recent tensions between the Mizoram government and Assam Rifles. Earlier in March 2024, the state government reportedly disconnected the water supply to an Assam Rifles camp, citing a faulty water meter. The latest disruption, involving electricity cut-offs, has further complicated the situation, causing significant hardship to the personnel tasked with ensuring regional security. A source from Assam Rifles, speaking on condition of anonymity, commented, "On humanitarian grounds, we offer water even to our enemies. So why is the Mizoram government treating us, who are here to safeguard the state and national security, in such a manner?"
In today's incident, Assam Rifles reported that no prior notice of the minister’s movement had been communicated, a standard protocol to ensure smooth coordination during VIP movements. However, the minister’s office later circulated a travel plan dated 7th October 2024, addressed to the Superintendents of Police in Aizawl, Saitual, Khawzawl, and Champhai. This lack of prior communication may have contributed to the misunderstanding at the MVCP.
Concerns Over Abuse of Power
The incident has sparked concerns over the potential misuse of political power and the treatment of armed forces by civilian authorities. Armed forces personnel expressed frustration over the minister’s actions, calling for accountability.
“There must be justice above every power,” said an officer. "The armed forces are here to protect the state, and they should be treated with the respect they deserve."
At the time of filing this report, attempts to contact the minister's office were unsuccessful, and no official statement has been released by the Mizoram government or the Minister of Commerce’s office regarding the incident.
Further developments are awaited as both sides may need to clarify their positions, which has caused a stir in the state and could have broader implications for civil-military relations in Mizoram.