Mizoram and Assam Agree to Address Border Dispute

Mizoram and Assam have agreed to jointly work towards resolving their long-standing interstate border dispute, according to an official statement released on Friday. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended an invitation to Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma for a meal in Guwahati, where the two leaders discussed the contentious border issue.

During their meeting, both Sarma and Lalduhoma committed to making collective efforts to address the border dispute. They also agreed to maintain peace along the border while negotiations are ongoing. Sarma assured Lalduhoma that he would send the minister responsible for border issues to Mizoram once the Assam assembly’s current budget session concludes.

The dispute involves a 164.6 km border between Mizoram’s Aizawl, Kolasib, and Mamit districts and Assam’s Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi districts. The conflict dates back to two colonial-era demarcations. Mizoram claims that part of the area reserved under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 is within its territory, while Assam adheres to a 1933 Survey of India map as its boundary. The dispute escalated in July 2021 when clashes between police forces from both states resulted in fatalities and heightened tensions.

1. It is reaffirmed that the ‘Goodwill Mission’ between the Government of Mizoram and the Government of Assam held on 9th August, 2024 at Aizawl, Mizoram is to take forward the firm commitment and initiative made in the meeting on 9th February, 2024 between the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam and the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram for resolution of the inter-State boundary dispute in an atmosphere of understanding and goodwill between the two States.

2. Both the States agreed to continue to promote and maintain peace and harmony and prevent any untoward incidents along the inter- State border. Joint Cultural and Sports festivals may be organised at frequent intervals by concerned administrative authorities of the inter-State border Districts of Mizoram and Assam to start before 31st January, 2025.

3. Both the States reaffirmed the decisions of the Joint Statements of all the previous meetings to arrive at an amicable resolution on the vexed border issues. It has been decided that all pending discussions and decisions to be made on the issue and other connected matters shall be taken up by officials of both the State Governments. This will be followed by a series of meetings to be held at venues decided by both officials. It was further decided that next Ministerial level meeting will take place in Guwahati, Assam before 31st March, 2025.

4. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue sustained zero tolerance policy against transportation of smuggled arecanut from other countries.

5. Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of both States shall continue to have regular meetings to promote peace and harmony along the inter-State border. Such meetings may be.held virtually each month and in person every six months.

6. The Delegations jointly agreed that the cooperation of the people living on both sides of the States is extremely crucial for a peaceful solution of border disputes. The general public and all stakeholders are expected to bring any differences on border issues to the appropriate authorities without taking law into their own hands.