Assam, Mizoram agree to address border dispute through dialogue

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 9, 2024

Both Assam and Mizoram have agreed to address their border dispute through dialogue and cooperation, setting a positive tone for future interactions between the two states.

Both state governments of Assam and Mizoram have reiterated their commitment to maintaining harmony along their shared border at a joint meeting on August 9 in Aizawl.

A joint statement was signed today at the State Guest House in Aizawl, by K Sapdanga, Home Minister of Mizoram, and Atul Bora, Minister of Border Protection & Development Department, Assam.

This was the first border discussion between both the states since the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, came to power in December last year.

The dispute originates from two colonial-era demarcations – the 1875 notification under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) and the 1933 Survey of India map.

The border dispute involves three Mizoram districts—Aizawl, Kolasib, and Mamit—which share a 164.6 km boundary with Assam’s Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi districts.

The joint statement follows the Goodwill Mission between the two states, held on August 9, 2024, in Aizawl. This mission is part of an ongoing effort to build on the commitments made during the February 9, 2024, meeting between the Chief Ministers of Mizoram and Assam. Both states are determined to resolve the inter-state boundary dispute in a spirit of understanding and goodwill.

Both states have agreed to continue efforts to maintain peace along their inter-state border. Joint cultural and sports festivals will be organized regularly by the concerned authorities in the border districts of both states, with the first events slated to take place before January 31, 2025.

The governments have reaffirmed their adherence to the decisions made in previous joint meetings, emphasizing the importance of arriving at an amicable resolution to the border dispute. Upcoming meetings between officials of both states will continue to address pending issues, with the next ministerial-level meeting scheduled for Guwahati, Assam, before March 31, 2025.

Both sides emphasized their commitment to a sustained zero-tolerance policy against the transportation of smuggled areca nuts from other countries.

Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police from both states will hold regular meetings, both virtually and in person, to promote peace along the border. Virtual meetings are to be held monthly, with in-person meetings every six months.

The statement highlighted the crucial role of public cooperation in ensuring a peaceful resolution of border disputes. The governments called on the general public and all stakeholders to report any issues to the appropriate authorities instead of taking matters into their own hands.