Dibya Kamal Bordoloi
Guwahati: in a major development to bring back peace to the border areas, Assam and Mizoram governments held discussion to end the ongoing border dispute for the first time after the violent clash between the two states on 26 July. The discussion held in Mizoram capital Aizawl today was attended by high level representatives of both the states. In a joint statement both Assam and Mizoram said that both the states welcome and agreed to take forward the initiatives taken by the union home ministry to remove tension prevailing around the inter-state borders. The statement further said that both the state agreed to find long lasting solutions to the disputes through discussions as proposed by Chief ministers of Assam and Mizoram. Assam Minister Atul Bora told ‘Organiser’ that today’s meeting was a great step forward to achieve lasting peace and resolution of border issues.
The joint statement signed by Assam Border Protection and Development minister Atul Bora, Home Minister of Mizoram Lalchamliana further stated that Assam and Mizoram agreed to maintain peace in the inter-state borders and welcomed the deployment of neutral force by the government of India. Both the states also decided not to send their respective police and forest forces for patrolling, domination and enforcement to any areas where confrontations and conflicts had taken place between forces of the two states in recent times. These places would include the border areas of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi districts in Assam side and Mamit and Kolasib districts in Mizoram side.
It the discussion, the representatives of the Mizoram government conveyed condolences for the loss of lives of the Assam police personnel on 26th July firing between the forces of the two states, the joint statement reads. Representatives of government of Assam and Mizoram agreed to take necessary measures to promote, preserve and maintain peace and harmony amongst the people living in Assam and Mizoram, particularly in the border areas.
The Assam representatives includes Ministers Atul Bora, Ashok Singhal, Commissioner Secretary G D Tripathy. Home minister Lalchamliana, MoS Lalruatkima and Home secretary Vanlalngaihsaka represented the Mizoram side. It should be mention that, Union Home Minister Amit Shah last week asked both the Chief Ministers of Assam and Mizoram to initiate talks for an amicable solution of the border disputes.
