A high-level delegation from the Mizoram Government arrived in Guwahati on Thursday to participate in crucial discussions aimed at addressing the ongoing border dispute with Assam. Spearheaded by State Home Secretary Vanlalmawia, the seven-member team comprises key figures from the Home Department as well as members from a specialized study group focused on the border issue. This meeting, set for Friday, aims to set the stage for future ministerial discussions between the two states.
The delegation includes Additional Secretary Andrew H Vanlaldika, Joint Secretary PC Lalduhthlanga, and Home Department’s Officer on Special Duty, C Lal-fakmawia. They are joined by three members of the state-established study group on the Assam border: Joseph K. Lalfakzuala, an assistant professor of political science and the group’s convener, Lalthiama Sanga Sailo, DIG (Armed) and member secretary of the group, and C Vanlalengkima, a scientist from the Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre (MIRSAC). According to sources within the Mizoram Home Department, these talks are focused on resolving administrative and technical matters, with the goal of smoothing the path for successful ministerial-level negotiations. “We want all outstanding matters and procedural frameworks to be finalized during the official-level talks to ensure fruitful deliberations during the political negotiations,” a senior official stated.
This initiative follows the latest round of ministerial meetings held in Aizawl on August 9 of last year. During these talks, State Home Minister K Sapdanga led Mizoram’s delegation, while Assam was represented by Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora. Despite various skirmishes in recent years along the disputed 123-km stretch, a violent clash on July 26, 2021, which resulted in the deaths of five Assam Police personnel, marked a critical turning point, prompting both states to engage more sincerely.
Assam’s proactive stance was evident when Minister Atul Bora led a peace delegation to Aizawl in August 2021. Since then, four rounds of high-level talks have occurred: three in Aizawl and one in Guwahati. Former Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also convened twice in New Delhi with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address the situation at the national level.
The talks in Guwahati represent a significant step in the long-standing, complex, and sensitive issue between the two northeastern states. Alleviating these tensions is crucial, as the border dispute has been a focal point of conflict, adversely affecting communities on both sides. The resolution of these matters is pivotal not only for regional stability but also for fostering better relations between Mizoram and Assam.
As these discussions unfold, the hope is that they lead to a sustainable solution, mitigating future conflicts and establishing a cooperative relationship between the neighboring states. By setting in motion a path towards comprehensive ministerial talks, the current official-level negotiations signify a renewed commitment to peace and stability in the region between Mizoram and Assam.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/north-east/assam-mizoram-border-talks-seven-member-team-arrives-in-guwahati-1575248
Category : North East,Featured
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-04-25 11:14:00
