Assam’s Border Protection and Development Minister, Atul Bora, announced on Sunday that the next round of discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing border dispute between Assam and Mizoram is scheduled to take place in Guwahati by January next year.
The development follows a recent meeting in Aizawl, where Bora led a delegation from Assam in talks with Mizoram’s government, headed by Home Minister K. Sapdanga.
The border talks, which had been stalled due to the assembly elections in Mizoram last year, have resumed with renewed vigor.
Both state governments are keen on finding a solution to the decades-old dispute, aiming to secure permanent peace and stability for the residents living near the inter-state boundary.
"The discussions were constructive, and we are optimistic about finding a lasting solution," Bora told media persons after returning from Aizawl.
"A ministerial group from Mizoram will visit Guwahati for the next round of talks in January. We have extended our invitation to them, and they have expressed their commitment to resolving the issue," he added.
Historical dispute
The border dispute between Assam and Mizoram primarily stems from two colonial-era demarcations—one in 1875 and another in 1933. The disagreement over these boundaries has led to periodic tensions and conflicts between the two states, affecting the lives of those residing in the border areas.
Assam’s Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi districts share a 164.6-km border with Mizoram’s Aizawl, Kolasib, and Mamit districts.
The residents of these regions have long faced uncertainty and disruption due to the unresolved boundary issues.
During the visit to Aizawl, the Assam delegation also met with Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhawma.
According to Bora, the Mizoram CM reiterated his government’s commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the border dispute, acknowledging the hardships faced by the people living in the affected areas.
Positive outcomes
Both states reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward the transportation of smuggled areca nuts from neighboring countries.
Additionally, it was decided that the administrative authorities of the border districts would organize joint cultural and sports festivals before March 31 next year. These initiatives are expected to improve relations between the two states.
This recent meeting marks the fourth ministerial-level talk between Assam and Mizoram since August 2021 and the first since the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) came to power in Mizoram in December last year.
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