Mizoram Government Wants Nov 4 Border Talks with Assam Rescheduled

GUWAHATI: In view of President Droupadi Murmu's visit to the northeastern state, the Mizoram government has requested in writing that the Assam government postpone the next border talks between the two neighboring states slated for November 4, according to a senior official on Friday.

They advised that the talks be delayed until November 9–11 in compliance with Chief Minister Zoramthanga's instruction, according to Home Department Additional Secretary Lalhriatpuia.

Lalhriatpuia asserted that they approached the Assam government on Thursday to request a postponement of the border talks, which were scheduled to take place in Guwahati on November 4. "We have advised that the discussions take place from November 9 to November 11 in light of the President's upcoming visit," He stated and also added that a new date will be set after the Assam government responds.

He continued by saying that the delegation would also include senior officials from the department, such as the home commissioner and secretary H. Lalengmawia. He added that the previous two meetings, which took place in Aizawl, were part of measures to foster confidence or were goodwill trips.

He claimed that since the Mizoram government has officially communicated its claim to its Assam counterpart, the ground demarcation of the interstate boundary will be one of the main themes during the negotiations.

"Assam and Mizoram are not physically separated from one another. We have given permission for a "position paper" to be presented during the talks and to make mention of the inner line preserved woodland that was declared in 1875. Ground delineation will be one of the main topics, "according to the representative who opted not to give his name.

While Mizoram viewed the inner line reserve forest declared in 1875 as its historical boundary, Assam accepted the survey of India's map from 1933 as its constitutional boundary.

Six Assamese policemen and a civilian were killed in violent clashes that took place in the disputed territory near the village of Vairengte on National Highway 306 in July of last year.

Then, in an effort to maintain calm along their shared border, both states resolved to discuss a resolution to their border disputes.

Five virtual meetings between the two sides have already taken place.

Additionally, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma met twice in New Delhi beginning last year in an effort to find a peaceful solution to the boundary dispute.

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