Inter-state boundaries: Dispur forms task forces for status paper

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: To know the latest status of inter-state boundary disputes with its neighbouring states, Dispur has formed four task forces – one each for Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh sectors.

These four task forces will prepare a paper reflecting the latest status of Assam's boundary disputes with its neighbouring states.

The border Protection and Development Department has already issued a notification regarding the formation of the task forces. Dispur has formed the task forces with approval from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

GD Tripathi, Commissioner and Secretary of Border Protection and Development Department, is heading the task force for preparing a paper on the inter-state boundary disputes with Mizoram.

Director of Border Protection and Development Department Dipima B Malakar is heading the task force to prepare a paper on the inter-state boundary disputes of Assam with Meghalaya.

Joint Director of Border Protection and Development Department Anuradha A Sarma got the assignment of preparing a paper on the latest status of inter-state disputes that Assam has with Arunachal Pradesh.

To prepare such a paper on the Assam-Nagaland boundary disputes, Deputy Secretary of the Border Protection and Development Department Kumar Surojit Bora is heading for the task force.

The four task forces will get assistance from other staff members of the department.

Assam-Nagaland and Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary disputes are pending with the Supreme Court of India.

Assam and Meghalaya governments, on the other hand, are trying to sort out their boundary disputes. These two state governments have formed regional committees that are visiting the disputed villages and taking stock of the ground realities, besides the opinions of the fringe dwellers.

Talking to The Sentinel, GD Tripathi said, "Since Assam's inter-state boundary disputes with its four neighbouring states are long-pending ones, we need to know the present status of the disputed border stretches. The State Government has formed four task forces to give a clear picture of the present status of the disputed boundaries with the neighbouring states. A paper on the Assam-Nagaland boundary got shape in 2013. The new task force will update that paper."

According to the Assam Government data, Arunachal Pradesh has encroached upon 8395.2545 hectares of Assam land, 55396.1296 hectares by Nagaland, 2,000 hectares by Meghalaya, and 1777.58 hectares by Mizoram.

Also Read: Assam-Meghalaya border: Ministers of both states assess ground reality

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