ITANAGAR: In a breakthrough on the historic boundary dispute between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday stated that demarcation of boundaries for six districts will shortly be completed by a joint team of both the states. The reiteration came during a meeting of the state assembly, as Khandu answered questions posed by BJP legislator Wangling Lowangdong.
Khandu reaffirmed the state government’s unflinching commitment to the ‘Namsai Declaration’, a pact established on July 15, 2022, to settle the disputed boundary issue. He confirmed that talks with the Assam government regarding the Changlang district would be initiated soon, indicating an active push towards the finalization of the demarcation process.
The Chief Minister pointed to the development that had been made in resolving the boundary dispute via an out-of-court settlement, which has been a turning point in building cooperation between the two states. “We have taken big strides in resolving the boundary dispute, and we are hopeful of wrapping up this issue at an early date,” Khandu said.
Home Minister Mama Natung also shed more light on the state of the boundary talks, where the reconstituted Regional Committees for the six districts of Pakke Kessang, Papum Pare, Kamle, Lower Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, and Longding had their first meeting in September 2022. It was in this meeting that it was decided to begin joint inspections with Assam’s regional committees, which is a joint initiative to settle the ongoing disputes.
Natung further added that the initiative taken by the state has resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) allowing for the realignment of land regions occupied by Arunachali residents within a three-kilometer radius to Arunachal Pradesh. This move marks a positive development towards protecting the rights and means of livelihood of the local populations who are being affected by the boundary demarcation.
The ‘Namsai Declaration’ was the result of a critical discussion between Chief Ministers Pema Khandu and Himanta Biswa Sarma, as well as cabinet ministers from both states. The agreement is meant to ease boundary conflicts over 123 villages that were brought before the Local Commission by Arunachal Pradesh in 2007. In their course of discussion, both chief ministers agreed to lower the number of conflicting villages from 123 to 86, demonstrating a desire to see eye to eye.
Resolution of the boundary conflict is not just an administrative undertaking; it has far-reaching consequences for the people living in the concerned districts. The demarcation exercise is set to better govern, drive development, and provide communities with clarity around territorial rights.
While the joint teams of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam are set to seal the demarcation, stakeholders are optimistic that this move will open the doors to enduring peace and cooperation among the border states. The boundary demarcation will not only settle long-standing tensions but also create a spirit of cooperation that can be useful for the socio-economic development of both areas.
With the commitment shown by both state governments, the residents of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam await a resolution that could redefine their relationship and lay the groundwork for future cooperation. As discussions progress, the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding remains paramount in navigating this complex issue.
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