Mizoram CM condemns Assam Regiment jawan's killing, 6 arrested in Kolasib
Synopsis
An Assam Regiment jawan home on leave was fatally attacked near Bualpui in Mizoram's Kolasib district after stepping in to protect a friend during a road dispute — six people have been arrested, but his family, which depended on him entirely, is left demanding justice.
Key Takeaways
Sepoy Zakaria Lalhriattluanga , 29 , of the Assam Regiment was killed near Bualpui , Kolasib district, Mizoram , on a road trip from Lengpui Airport on 20 September .
The assault reportedly occurred after a truck dispute on National Highway-306 ; the jawan was attacked while defending his friend.
Six people have been arrested and two minors detained in connection with the killing.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma condemned the incident on 24 September , calling it a disgrace to Mizoram, and assured legal action against the accused.
Lalhriattluanga was cremated with full military honours on 21 September and was the sole breadwinner for his elderly parents.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday, 24 September 2026, strongly condemned the killing of Sepoy Zakaria Lalhriattluanga, a 29-year-old Assam Regiment soldier, who was fatally assaulted near Bualpui village in Kolasib district while on leave. The Chief Minister conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and assured that those responsible would face full legal proceedings.
What Happened on National Highway-306
According to officials, Sepoy Zakaria Lalhriattluanga had arrived at Lengpui Airport near Aizawl on 20 September, returning to his native New Builum village on leave from his posting in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, where he served with the Assam Regiment. He was travelling in a truck driven by his friend John Laltanpuia, who had come to receive him at the airport.
The fatal incident unfolded near Bualpui along National Highway-306, close to the Coffee Board plantation, when two trucks reportedly struggled to cross each other on a badly damaged stretch of road. An argument erupted between the drivers, after which a group of youths allegedly joined in and began assaulting Laltanpuia. The jawan reportedly stepped in to protect his friend and was attacked. He sustained serious injuries and later succumbed to his wounds.
Chief Minister's Response and Arrests
In a Facebook post, Chief Minister Lalduhoma described the killing as 'deeply unfortunate', stating it 'brought disgrace to the state and its people.' He credited 'good cooperation' between the police and public for the swift arrest of the accused and appealed to citizens to 'stand united.' He conveyed his condolences to the soldier's parents, wife, and other family members.
So far, six people have been arrested and two minors detained in connection with the killing. The body was handed over to the family following a post-mortem examination. Lalhriattluanga was cremated on 21 September with full military honours.
A Family Left Behind
The slain jawan was the second youngest of five siblings and had been the primary breadwinner for his elderly parents. His father, V.L. Duailova, a septuagenarian and former pastor, and his mother, Lalthazovi, aged 60, are no longer able to earn a livelihood. His younger brother, Stephen Lalrinngheta, works as a daily wage labourer. Lalhriattluanga had joined the Assam Regiment in 2017. His family has demanded justice for his killing.
Broader Context
The incident draws fresh attention to road safety on National Highway-306, where a damaged road surface reportedly contributed to the sequence of events. Notably, the killing of an on-leave soldier — who died intervening in a civilian altercation — has triggered outrage across Mizoram, with calls for accountability extending beyond the immediate accused. The Chief Minister's intervention signals the political sensitivity of the case, particularly given the Assam Regiment's historical and cultural ties with the region.
Point of View
Intervening in a civilian brawl, which should sharpen scrutiny on both road maintenance authorities and local law enforcement response times. Chief Minister Lalduhoma's swift public condemnation was politically necessary, but the test will be the speed and transparency of the trial. A soldier who spent years posted in a conflict zone should not face greater danger on a home-state highway.
NationPress
24 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sepoy Zakaria Lalhriattluanga?
Sepoy Zakaria Lalhriattluanga was a 29-year-old soldier serving in the Assam Regiment of the Indian Army, posted in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. He had joined the regiment in 2017 and was the primary financial support for his elderly parents in New Builum village, Mizoram.
How was the Assam Regiment jawan killed in Mizoram?
According to officials, on 20 September the jawan was travelling from Lengpui Airport towards his native village when two trucks became involved in a road dispute on a damaged stretch of National Highway-306 near Bualpui. A group of youths allegedly assaulted his friend; Lalhriattluanga intervened and was attacked, sustaining fatal injuries.
What action has been taken after the jawan's killing?
Six people have been arrested and two minors detained in connection with the killing. Chief Minister Lalduhoma assured that all accused would face legal proceedings, crediting cooperation between the police and the public for the swift arrests.
What did Mizoram CM Lalduhoma say about the incident?
Chief Minister Lalduhoma described the killing as 'deeply unfortunate', stating it brought disgrace to Mizoram and its people. In a Facebook post, he appealed to citizens to 'stand united' and conveyed condolences to the soldier's parents, wife, and family.
What is the family's situation following the jawan's death?
Lalhriattluanga was the sole breadwinner for his elderly parents — his father V.L. Duailova, a septuagenarian former pastor, and his 60-year-old mother Lalthazovi. His younger brother works as a daily wage labourer. The family has demanded justice for his killing.
