Mizoram Proposes Border Talks with Assam in April to Resolve Long-Standing Dispute

AIZAWL- The Mizoram government has proposed holding official-level talks with Assam in early April to address the long-standing inter-state border dispute. The 164.6 km boundary between the two northeastern states has been a point of contention for decades, with past discussions yielding limited progress.

Proposed Meeting to Lay Groundwork for Resolution

According to a senior Mizoram government official, the state has suggested that the talks take place in Guwahati in the first or second week of April. The discussions will focus on technical and contentious issues before moving forward with ministerial-level negotiations.

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“The proposed official-level meeting is crucial for sorting out key concerns before structured ministerial-level talks can take place,” the official stated.

The last ministerial-level discussions, held in Aizawl on August 9, 2024, reaffirmed both states’ commitment to maintaining peace along the disputed border. However, the fourth round of talks concluded without a breakthrough due to a lack of prior groundwork.

Previous Attempts and Sticking Points

The Mizoram government believes that thorough official-level deliberations are necessary to ensure progress in the next ministerial meeting. The August 2024 discussions marked the first formal engagement between the two states since the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, took power in Mizoram in 2023.

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Following the talks, Assam’s Border Protection and Development Minister, Atul Bora, had described the discussions as “positive,” reiterating both states’ commitment to a peaceful resolution. Mizoram Home Minister K. Sapdanga had also expressed optimism, noting that Mizoram had already submitted a list of 62 villages within its claimed territory to the Assam government, as per an agreement reached during the third ministerial meeting in Guwahati in November 2022.

Decades-Old Dispute and Clashes

The border dispute between Mizoram and Assam dates back to 1972, when Mizoram was carved out as a Union Territory from Assam. The boundary was vaguely defined under the North-East Areas Reorganisation Act, 1971, leading to periodic tensions.

Mizoram claims 509 square miles of reserved forest land, as per the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873. Assam, however, recognizes the boundary based on a 1933 Survey of India map. The dispute escalated into severe violence on July 26, 2021, when police forces from both states exchanged gunfire near Vairengte village along National Highway 306. The clash resulted in the deaths of six Assam Police personnel and left several others injured.

Hopes for a Breakthrough in April Talks

With both states eager to find a peaceful resolution, the proposed talks in April are expected to be a critical step toward settling the border issue. If successful, the discussions will pave the way for a fifth round of ministerial negotiations, potentially bringing long-term stability and strengthening inter-state relations.