Mizoram’s Home Minister, K. Sapdanga, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to resolving its long-standing border dispute with Assam through peaceful negotiations. Speaking at the Mizoram State Boundary Committee (MSBC) meeting in Aizawl on Wednesday, Sapdanga expressed optimism about achieving a lasting resolution that ensures the well-being of residents along the border.
The MSBC meeting, attended by key officials, political representatives, and civil society members, focused on preparations for the upcoming official-level talks with Assam scheduled for April 25 in Guwahati. Sapdanga highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and emphasized the state’s efforts to secure its territorial claims. He noted that a study group established in January 2024 has gathered crucial documentation to strengthen Mizoram’s position in the negotiations.
The border dispute, which spans a 164.6-km stretch between Mizoram and Assam, stems from conflicting colonial-era demarcations—the 1875 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) and the 1933 Survey of India map. Mizoram asserts its claim over 509 square miles of the Inner Line Reserved Forest based on the BEFR, while Assam relies on the 1933 map as its constitutional boundary.
Despite sporadic incidents of violence along the border, including a tragic clash in July 2021 that resulted in casualties, both states have engaged in multiple rounds of talks to address the issue. The upcoming discussions aim to finalize modalities for future ministerial-level negotiations and pave the way for a peaceful resolution.
Sapdanga’s remarks underscore Mizoram’s dedication to fostering dialogue and collaboration, reflecting the state’s hope for a harmonious relationship with Assam. The April 25 talks are expected to be a significant step toward resolving the decades-old dispute and ensuring stability in the region.
