Aizawl: Reaffirming their commitment to resolving the long-standing border dispute through peaceful dialogue and cooperation, the Mizoram and Assam governments have signed a new joint statement in Aizawl.
The agreement was signed by Mizoram’s Home Minister K. Sapdanga and Assam’s Minister for Border Protection & Development Atul Bora after a high-level meeting at the State Guest House in Aizawl on Friday.
The joint statement follows the Goodwill Mission between the two states held earlier in the day in Aizawl. This mission is part of an ongoing effort to build on the commitments made during the February 9, 2024, meeting between the Chief Ministers of Mizoram and Assam.
Both states are determined to resolve the inter-state boundary dispute in a spirit of understanding and goodwill.
To foster peace and cooperation along the border, the states have agreed to organize joint cultural and sports festivals in the affected districts, with the first events expected before January 31, 2025. These festivals are aimed at enhancing community engagement and understanding between people of the two states.
The next ministerial-level meeting is scheduled to take place in Guwahati before March 31, 2025, where officials will continue to address unresolved issues and reinforce their commitment to a peaceful and cooperative relationship.
Additionally, both governments have pledged a zero-tolerance approach to the longstanding issue of areca nut smuggling across the border.
Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police from both states will hold regular meetings. Monthly virtual meetings will be held, supplemented by in-person meetings every six months, to monitor the situation and address any emerging issues.
The statement also highlighted the crucial role of public cooperation in ensuring a peaceful resolution of border disputes.
The governments urged residents and stakeholders to report any concerns to authorities, rather than taking matters into their own hands, to avoid further escalation of tensions.
