1. Mizoram CM Lalduhoma plans discussions with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on ongoing border issues.
2. Anticipated talks during the North Eastern Council (NEC) plenary session on January 19 in Shillong.
3. Union Home Minister Amit Shah to preside over the session, providing a platform for resolving disputes.
Guwahati, Jan 09: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma is expected to engage in discussions with his Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, later this month to address ongoing border issues between the two states.
The talks are anticipated to take place during the North Eastern Council (NEC) plenary session scheduled for January 19 in Shillong, Meghalaya, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah will preside.
The primary focus of the meeting will be the resolution of long-standing border disputes that have strained relations between Mizoram and Assam.
The contentious border, spanning 164.6 km, has been a source of tension, notably exacerbated in July 2021 when clashes resulted in casualties on both sides.
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The NEC plenary session provides an opportune platform for the two leaders to discuss and find amicable solutions to the border issues. Despite previous violent incidents, both states have committed to maintaining peace along the boundary and resolving disputes through dialogues.
The historical roots of the border dispute trace back to colonial demarcations in 1875 and 1933.
Mizoram contends that a 509-square-mile area within the inner line reserved forest, designated in 1875 under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) 1873, rightfully belongs to its territory.
In contrast, Assam asserts the 1933 Survey of India map as its constitutional boundary, encompassing vast areas within the inner line reserved forest.
Complicating matters, there is no ground demarcation of boundaries between the two states. Lalduhoma previously discussed the border issues with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to Delhi.
The chief minister emphasized a shared commitment to preventing future disputes and violence, aiming to resolve issues at the political level.
In response to the ongoing challenges, Lalduhoma announced the establishment of a boundary committee involving all stakeholders.
This committee is intended to address any issues related to the border with neighbouring states, reflecting a proactive approach by the Mizoram government to manage and resolve border-related concerns diplomatically.
