Hoping for peaceful resolution of Mizoram-Assam border row: Min

Aizawl: Mizoram govt seeks a peaceful resolution to border disputes with Assam, aiming to ensure residents along the border can live undisturbed and maintain their livelihoods, home minister K Sapdanga said on Wednesday.

During the Mizoram State Boundary Committee (MSBC) meeting in Aizawl, discussing the forthcoming talks with Assam officials on April 25 in Guwahati, Sapdanga expressed optimism about achieving a lasting resolution.

He referenced a four-member study group established on Jan 25, 2024, tasked with gathering essential documentation for upcoming negotiations. "I think that the study group has collected crucial and dependable documents to strengthen the claims of the Mizoram govt and the preparations of the state govt delegation are satisfactory," he said.

State home secretary Vanlalmawia will lead Mizoram's seven-member delegation at the official-level border discussions with Assam on April 25 in Guwahati.

The MSBC meeting included revenue minister B Lalchhanzova, chief minister's adviser Lalmuanpuia Punte, chief secretary H Lalengmawia, study group members, political party representatives, civil society organisations, and home department officials.

Under the previous Mizo National Front govt, the MSBC convened five times, beginning July 30, 2021. The current Zoram People's Movement administration has held two meetings — Jan 25 and Wednesday.

The fourth ministerial-level border negotiations occurred on Aug 9 in Aizawl between Mizoram's team led by K Sapdanga and Assam's delegation headed by Atul Bora.

The subsequent joint statement confirmed that previously agreed conditions would remain in effect, with officials from both states continuing discussions to resolve differences and examine outstanding modalities.

Despite occasional violent incidents along the 123-km border, progress remained slow until July 26, 2021, when an exchange of fire between state police forces resulted in five Assam Police casualties.

Progress accelerated after Atul Bora's peace mission to Mizoram that August. Subsequently, three rounds of talks were held in Aizawl and one in Guwahati. Additionally, former CM Zoramthanga and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma met twice in Delhi with Union home minister Amit Shah present.