KOLASIB/AIZAWL, September 21, 2026: The HQ Mizoram Ex-Services League (HQ MESL) and various other groups have condemned the death of an Indian Army soldier who was fatally assaulted following a traffic altercation in Bualpui on Sunday evening.
The victim, identified as 29-year-old Sepoy Zakaria Lalhriattluanga, belonged to the 9 Assam Regiment and was attached to the 42 Rashtriya Rifles in Jammu and Kashmir. He was returning home on leave when the incident occurred, before he could reach his hometown of New Builum in Kolasib district.
In a press release, the HQ MESL expressed shock over the incident and said it was unacceptable that a serving soldier had been subjected to such a violent attack in his home state. The ex-servicemen's organisation called for the immediate arrest of those responsible and strict punishment under the law, while expressing condolences to the soldier's family.
According to reports, the incident took place near the Coffee Board area of Bualpui after a near-miss between the vehicle in which Zakaria was travelling and another vehicle. A verbal altercation reportedly followed between the drivers.
Several young men travelling in a Bolero Pickup then intervened and allegedly began assaulting the truck driver. Zakaria stepped out of the vehicle to defend his friend, after which he was also attacked.
Nearby residents rushed to the scene after the assault, but Zakaria had already sustained fatal injuries. Those involved reportedly fled the area.
Kawnpui Police registered a case and launched an investigation. Police and forensic teams examined the scene before the soldier's body was taken to New Builum on Sunday night. A post-mortem examination is scheduled at Kolasib District Hospital on Monday.
Police have launched a search for those involved in the attack. Several individuals have reportedly been detained for questioning in connection with the case.