Dibya Kamal Bordoloi
Guwahati: Amid growing tension between Assam and Mizoram for border disputes, in a major breakthrough towards de-escalating tensions at the Assam-Nagaland border, the two states reached an understanding to maintain the status quo in disputed border areas. The Chief Secretaries of both the states have arrived at an understanding to immediately withdraw states' forces from border locations to their respective base camps.
Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "this is a historic step in our relations. My gratitude to Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio for working with Assam in restoring peace on the border. Assam is committed to ensuring peace along all its borders and strives for the social and economic prosperity of the Northeast region."
An MoU has been signed by the chief secretaries of both the states at a meeting held in Dimapur, Nagaland. Both Assam and Nagaland will withdraw their forces from two disputed sites Dissoi valley Reserved forest and Tsuangkon valley within 24 hours. According to the MoU signed by both states, there will be joint surveillance using UAVs and satellite imageries in the disputed areas to maintain the status quo. The superintendent of police of Mokokchung district (Nagaland) and Jorhat district (Assam) will monitor the withdrawal process of the security personnel. The education minister of Assam Dr Ranuj Pegu and Home minister of Nagaland Yanthungo Patton were also present in the meeting besides a host of top officials of both the states.
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