Assam-Arunachal border row: Regional committees submit reports

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, March 31: Assam and Arunachal Pradesh share an 804-km-long boundary. A case is pending in the Supreme Court since 1989 on the border row between the two states. Last year, both states decided to go for an out-of-court settlement on the border row and formed 12 regional committees each. Seven out of the 12 regional committees carried out joint surveys and submitted their reports to their respective Chief Ministers.

This was informed by State Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora. While talking to The Sentinel, Bora said that on Thursday evening, a meeting was held in Guwahati between Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Arunachal Pradesh counterpart Pema Khandu on the border dispute.

“Nine ministers of Arunachal Pradesh and several ministers of Assam had taken part in the meeting. The meeting was cordial. Seven out of 12 regional committees have submitted their reports. These regional committees carried out joint surveys and the border issues in their respective areas have been resolved,” he said.

Bora further said, “The remaining five regional committees will also carry out joint surveys in their disputed areas and interact with the local people. They will then submit their reports to their respective Chief Ministers after which another Chief Ministerial-level meeting will take place. Once both Chief Ministers reach a consensus on the border issue resolution, there will be a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

“Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is keen to resolve all border disputes with neighouring states. The border dispute with Arunachal Pradesh is likely to be resolved within this year.”