Aizawl: The official-level discussions between Mizoram and Assam regarding the inter-state boundary dispute are likely to convene in late March.
However, the ministerial talks planned before March 31 may face delay, a senior official of Mizoram Home Department said on Wednesday.
Mizoram Home Secretary Vanlalmawia stated that it received communication from Assam authorities on Monday, suggesting official-level discussions in Guwahati towards the end of March.
Vanlalmawia said the Mizoram government would consider Assam’s proposal and respond after reaching a decision.
If it accepts the proposal, it will schedule the talks after the ongoing Budget Session concludes on March 20, he said.
The Mizoram administration has consistently advocated preliminary official-level discussions to establish protocols for the fifth round of ministerial talks proposed in Guwahati.
The goal was to finalize key details in advance to ensure meaningful discussions.
“Mizoram govt wants to hold dialogue at the official level to sort out modalities for the minister-level negotiations and discuss the nitty-gritties in detail to facilitate settlement to the border disputes between the two neighbouring northeastern states before the political level talks commences,” Vanlalmawia said.
The last round of ministerial talks, held on August 9, 2024, in Aizawl, reaffirmed both states’ commitment to peace and avoiding incidents along the disputed border.
“Both the states agreed to continue to promote and maintain peace and harmony and prevent any untoward incidents along the inter-state border. The next round of talks should begin before Jan 31, 2025,” a joint statement stated.
The delayed response from Assam regarding Mizoram’s repeated requests for official-level discussions has necessitated postponing the next ministerial meeting.
The boundary dispute between Mizoram and Assam stems from two colonial-era demarcations, one from 1875 and another from 1933.
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Mizoram claims the 509-square-mile Inner Line Reserved Forest (ILRF) falls within its borders based on the 1873 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR).
Assam, however, asserts the 1933 Survey of India map as its constitutional boundary.
