Assam CM Appeals for Peace Amid Border Tensions with Arunachal
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed for peace along the Assam-Arunachal border following a recent clash. He stated that while boundaries define states, they cannot divide the people who have lived together for generations.
Key takeaways
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed for peace along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border after a reported clash.
- A recent incident in Dhemaji district involved protestors from both states, leading to police firing in the air.
- The Assam CM stated that state boundaries do not divide the hearts of people who have lived together for generations.
- Most border disputes between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have been resolved through dialogue, with 52 villages remaining under discussion.
- The states have formed regional committees and signed declarations to address territorial disagreements.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called for peace and harmony along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border. His appeal follows a recent clash reported between protestors from both states in Dhemaji district, which necessitated police firing in the air to disperse a mob. An economic blockade against Arunachal Pradesh, which began the previous day, is ongoing.
Mr. Sarma emphasized that state boundaries do not diminish the deep-rooted connections between the people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. He expressed this sentiment in a social media post, tagging his Arunachal counterpart Pema Khandu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Mr. Sarma highlighted the strong bond between the two Northeastern states, asserting it transcends geographical lines.
Both Chief Ministers have engaged in dialogue to resolve border disputes. Mr. Sarma noted that significant progress has been made, with most differences settled through discussions. He indicated that approximately 52 villages remain as points of contention, and governmental discussions will continue with the aim of full resolution.
Arunachal Pradesh was initially a centrally-administered region after India's independence, later becoming a Union Territory before achieving full statehood in 1987. Post-statehood, a committee recommended the transfer of certain territories from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh, a move Assam contested and which is now before the Supreme Court. The shared border spans 804.1 km across several districts in Assam. Disputes exist at 1,200 points along this inter-state boundary.
The Assam government previously stated that Arunachal Pradesh has encroached upon over 16,000 hectares of land, with Arunachal Pradesh claiming ownership of a significant portion of this. To address these territorial disagreements, both states have established 12 regional committees. These committees have jointly surveyed areas and consulted stakeholders to find resolutions.
A significant step was the Namsai Declaration signed in July 2022 by the chief ministers, initiating efforts to resolve differences concerning 123 villages claimed by Arunachal Pradesh. A subsequent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in April 2023 in New Delhi. Of the 123 villages in question, resolutions have been reached for 71, with ongoing efforts for the remaining 52.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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