Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Accelerate Border Demarcation Process for Disputed Villages
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh agree to expedite border demarcation and resolve disputes over 33 villages in a recent meeting.
Guwahati, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have reached an agreement to expedite the border demarcation process following a regional committee meeting in Guwahati. This meeting focused on resolving long-standing disputes concerning 33 villages along the interstate boundary.
Urban Affairs Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Balo Raja, and Assam’s Revenue Minister, Keshav Mahant, led their respective delegations during the discussions. They reviewed the progress made since a previous meeting on January 9, 2023, which included joint area inspections to identify disputed regions and facilitate mutually acceptable solutions.
Officials reported that the disputed villages have been categorized into three groups to streamline the resolution process. Nine villages fall under Category One, while 22 villages with smaller local disputes are classified as Category Two. Two villages with more complex issues are in Category Three.
The committees agreed to install boundary markers immediately in the nine villages designated as Category One. Disputes regarding the Category Two villages will be addressed by the relevant district administrations. Both states have also decided to appoint the Indian Survey Agency to commence formal demarcation within two months.
Additionally, they agreed to maintain the status quo as per the mutually established timeline, prevent new encroachments and tree plantation in disputed areas, and initiate the process to withdraw any First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against officials from either state.
For the two villages in Category Three, the committee will devise an action plan after consulting with local legislators, district officials, and residents. The next regional committee meeting is scheduled for the end of December.
The Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border dispute dates back to 1951 when over 3,600 square kilometers of territory was transferred to Assam based on recommendations from the Gopinath Bordoloi Committee. Arunachal Pradesh later challenged this arrangement. This latest initiative follows the signing of the Namsai Declaration by the chief ministers of both states on July 15, 2022. Under this agreement, the number of disputed villages was reduced from 123 to 86, and 12 regional committees were formed to facilitate negotiations.
