Assam-Arunachal boundary disputes nearing solution

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary talks are on track to get their final shape after several field visits to the disputed villages by the regional committees of both states. On April 17, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will talk to the 12 regional committees of Assam, review the progress, and give the final shape.

Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora met with the top-level officials of the department today and reviewed the progress of the field visits and reports of the regional committees. Speaking to The Sentinel after the meeting, Minister Bora said, “When the Chief Minister-level talks on boundary disputes took place at Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh last year, the number of disputed villages between the two states was 123. However, the meeting resolved the disputes in 37 villages. The 12 regional committees of each of the two states formed after the Namsai declaration visited the remaining 86 villages and prepared their reports. The field visit of the disputed boundary villages is almost over. If the need arises, a few of the regional committees may visit some of the villages. On April 17, the Chief Minister will examine the reports prepared by the regional committees of Assam and give the final shape.” According to sources, another meeting between the Assam Chief Minister and his Arunachal Pradesh counterpart will follow after the April 17 review meeting. The two chief ministers may also have a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to sign an agreement.

A case on Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border disputes has long been pending in the Supreme Court of India. At the initiative of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, both the state governments evinced interest in an out-of-court settlement of border disputes.