Guwahati: In a significant move towards finding mutually acceptable solutions to the inter-state border disputes, the governments of Assam and Mizoram have signed a joint statement in Aizawl, resolving to address all longstanding border issues amicably.
A delegation from Assam, led by border protection and development department minister Atul Bora had a meeting with Mizoram home minister K Sapdanga and minister of land, revenue and settlement B Lalchhanzova, at the State Guest House in Aizawl on Friday.
The Assam delegation, which was earlier in the day welcomed at the airport in Aizawl, also comprised the principal secretary, Border Protection & Development Department, GD Tripathi; secretary, Prabhati Thaosen; director, Subhalaxmi Deka; consultant, Dasarath Deka and other officials.
The Mizoram delegation also comprised the home department’s secretary, Vanlalmawia; additional secretary, Joseph H Lalramsanga; joint secretaries, John L.T. Sanga and P. C. Lalduhthlanga; Commandant of 2nd IR Bn and Member Secretary, Study Group, Lalthiamsanga Sailo and Kolasib SP, David H Lalthangliana among other officials.
After the meeting, a joint statement was signed wherein the two states reaffirmed that the “goodwill mission” of the two governments on Friday was to take forward the firm commitment and initiative made in the chief minister-level meeting on February 9, 2024, for resolution of the inter-state boundary dispute in an atmosphere of understanding and goodwill between the two states.
According to the joint statement, both states resolved to continue promoting and maintaining peace and harmony besides preventing untoward incidents along the interstate border.
“Joint cultural and sports festivals may be organised at frequent intervals by concerned administrative authorities of the inter-state border districts of Mizoram and Assam to start before January 31, 2025,” the statement read.
Both states reaffirmed the decisions of the joint statements of all the previous meetings to arrive at an amicable resolution on the vexed border issues.
It was decided that all pending discussions and decisions would be made on the issue and other connected matters would be taken up by officials of both state governments. This would be followed by a series of meetings at venues decided by both officials.
It was further decided that the next ministerial-level meeting would occur in Guwahati before March 31, 2025.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue a sustained zero-tolerance policy against the transportation of smuggled areca nuts from other countries.
“Deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of both states shall continue to have regular meetings to promote peace and harmony along the inter-state border. Such meetings may be held virtually every month and in person every six months,” the joint statement read.
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The delegations further agreed that the cooperation of the people living on both sides of the states was extremely crucial for a peaceful solution to border disputes.
“The general public and all stakeholders are expected to bring any differences on border issues to the appropriate authorities without taking the law into their own hands,” it read.
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