Assam, Arunachal to intensify talks on border issues: Atul Bora
Guwahati, June 16
Assam Minister and Asom Gana Parishad President Atul Bora on Tuesday said Assam and Arunachal Pradesh would continue discussions to resolve the remaining issues along their inter-state boundary, noting that significant progress has already been achieved in recent years.
Speaking to reporters, Bora said both States have made headway in settling several disputed areas and expressed optimism that unresolved issues could also be addressed through dialogue and cooperation. "Our objective is to discuss the pending matters and move forward together. Several contentious points have already been resolved, but some issues remain, and these will have to be discussed further," he said.
He noted that Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have already begun work in several areas where disputes have been defused, adding that both governments are committed to carrying forward the process positively.
Bora stressed that the two neighbouring States need to work collectively on development and administrative issues in border areas, while also exploring new avenues of cooperation for the benefit of people residing along the inter-state boundary.
The remarks come against the backdrop of sustained efforts by the two States to settle their decades-old border dispute through negotiations. In April 2023, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resolve disputes in a majority of the identified contested areas.
The agreement followed recommendations from regional committees constituted by both States to examine claims and counterclaims over 123 villages along the boundary.
The border dispute has its origins in differing interpretations of the boundary demarcated after the notification of the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), which later became Arunachal Pradesh.
Over the years, competing territorial claims have led to recurring tensions among communities in border regions.
Since the signing of the MoU, both State governments have repeatedly described the settlement process as a model for resolving inter-state disputes through dialogue rather than litigation.
Bora said further discussions would continue on the remaining issues and expressed confidence that the spirit of cooperation between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh would help in achieving an amicable resolution.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It is heartening to see Assam and Arunachal Pradesh working together. As someone from the region, I know how these border disputes affect daily life for local communities. The fact that both governments are talking and making progress is a good sign. But implementing these resolutions on the ground is the real challenge.
I appreciate Atul Bora's optimism, but these border disputes have been dragging on for decades. Let's see how many of those "remaining issues" actually get resolved. The devil is always in the details. Still, credit where it's due—this MoU approach is better than the old 'send in the police' method.
Good to see a Northeast leader talking about cooperation and development. For too long, these border disputes have been used for political point-scoring. The real heroes are the people living in these border villages who suffer due to the uncertainty. Hope the process benefits them first! 🙏
This is what we need—dialogue over litigation. Assam and Arunachal share deep cultural and historical ties, so it makes sense to resolve things amicably. I just wish the pace was a bit faster. Some of these villages have been in limbo for 50+ years. The people deserve clarity and peace.
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