Assam & Mizoram officials may hold border talks in Mar

Aizawl: Official-level discussions regarding the inter-state boundary dispute between Assam and Mizoram are expected in late March, while ministerial talks planned before March 31 may face delays, a senior Mizoram home department official said on Wednesday.
State home secretary Vanlalmawia informed TOI that they received communication from Assam authorities on Monday, suggesting official-level discussions in Guwahati during late March. Vanlalmawia said the govt would consider Assam's proposal and respond after reaching a decision. He said if agreed upon, the talks would likely occur after the current budget session concludes on March 20.
Assam's response arrived only after receiving three communications from the state home department.
The Mizoram administration has consistently advocated preliminary official-level discussions to establish protocols for the fifth round of ministerial talks proposed in Guwahati. "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.
A joint statement from Aug 9, 2024, following ministerial discussions in Aizawl stated, "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."
The delayed response from Assam regarding Mizoram's repeated requests for official-level discussions has necessitated postponing the next ministerial meeting.
The previous negotiations occurred at the Aizawl state guest house, with Mizoram home minister K Sapdanga and Assam's border protection minister Atul Bora leading their respective delegations to resume border dialogue.
The territorial dispute stems from two colonial-era demarcations — 1875 and 1933. Mizoram claims a 509-square mile inner line reserved forest (ILRF) area, notified under the 1873 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR). Assam maintains the 1933 Survey of India map as its constitutional boundary. Substantial ILRF areas now lie within Assam, while some areas under the 1933 demarcation fall within Mizoram. No physical boundary demarcation exists between the states.
Despite occasional border incidents, the July 26, 2021 police confrontation near Vairengte town, resulting in five Assam Police casualties, prompted immediate action, leading to initial ministerial talks in Aizawl that Aug.