Tragic Death of Assam Regiment Soldier Sparks Outrage in Mizoram

Six Arrested in Connection with Soldier's Death

Aizawl: Authorities have apprehended six individuals and detained two minors in relation to the murder of a 29-year-old soldier from the Assam Regiment near Bualpui village in Mizoram's Kolasib district, as reported by police on Wednesday.

According to a police spokesperson, the six suspects are currently in judicial custody at the Kolasib District Prison and Correctional Centre. They have been identified as Zoremthangi (38), Emmanuel Lalchhanhima (27), Lalhundika (29), Lalnunfima (26), David Remruatpuia (18), and Malsawmtluanga (24).

All six suspects hail from the Hmar Veng area in Kawnpui town within Kolasib district. The two minors involved have been placed under the care of the district Juvenile Justice Board and have not been taken into police custody or judicial custody, according to officials.

The suspects face charges under Sections 103(1), 115, and 3(6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Section 6(2) of the Mizoram Liquor Prohibition Act, 2019.

The victim, Zakaria Lalhriattluanga, was serving in the Assam Regiment and was on leave, returning to his home in New Builum village. He arrived at Lengpui airport near Aizawl on September 20 and was en route home in a truck driven by his friend John Laltanpuia, who had come to pick him up.

The tragic incident occurred near Bualpui along National Highway-306, close to a Coffee Board plantation, when two trucks struggled to pass each other on a poorly maintained road.

Following the mishap, a dispute erupted between the drivers, leading to a group of youths allegedly attacking John Laltanpuia.

Zakaria Lalhriattluanga intervened to defend his friend and was subsequently assaulted, suffering severe injuries that ultimately led to his death.

In the aftermath, police arrested eight individuals connected to the incident.

After conducting a post-mortem, Lalhriattluanga's remains were returned to his family, and he was cremated with full military honors on Monday.

Authorities indicated that the case involves charges of culpable homicide, voluntary injury, and shared liability, in addition to violations of the state liquor prohibition law.

Lalhriattluanga's family expressed their grief, highlighting that he was the primary provider for his elderly parents and calling for justice. His mother, Lalthazovi, 60, noted that he joined the Assam Regiment in 2017 and was stationed in Srinagar.

As the second youngest of five siblings, he had been responsible for supporting his parents. His father, V.L. Duailova, a former pastor in his seventies, and his mother are unable to work due to their age. His younger brother, Stephen Lalrinngheta, works as a daily wage laborer to help the family, while his two older brothers and sister have their own families.