Arunachal Pradesh, Assam hold talks on boundary issues

Arunachal Pradesh and Assam met on Monday in Roing, Lower Dibang Valley, to discuss the long-standing boundary dispute between Arunachal’s Lower Dibang Valley district and Assam’s Tinsukia district, with both states pledging to seek an amicable settlement through dialogue, the Sentinel Assam reported.

Regional committee meeting convened

The meeting was co-chaired by Arunachal Pradesh Regional Committee chairman and Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing and his Assam counterpart, Minister and Tinsukia Regional Committee chairman Atul Bora. It took place at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Roing, and both sides reiterated their commitment to an amicable and mutually acceptable resolution through dialogue and consensus. The Sentinel Assam noted that the gathering formed part of ongoing institutional-level discussions aimed at addressing the boundary issue.

Focus on community interests

After the meeting, Minister Ojing Tasing posted on X that the deliberations focused on addressing outstanding boundary-related differences while safeguarding the legitimate rights, interests and aspirations of communities residing in the adjoining areas of the two states. He highlighted the importance of constructive engagement, mutual understanding and consensus in resolving the longstanding boundary issues, and stressed that the interests of people on both sides must be duly protected.

Historical ties and future cooperation

Tasing also said that both sides emphasized the deep-rooted historical, cultural and social ties between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, adding that boundary differences should not undermine the longstanding relationship of friendship and cooperation between the neighbouring states. The minister said the meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment of both states to maintain goodwill, foster mutual trust and pursue a fair, equitable and mutually acceptable settlement of the dispute.

Institutional framework and past agreements

The two states have been holding regular discussions through Regional Committees as part of efforts to resolve their longstanding boundary differences. The Sentinel Assam referred to the Namsai Declaration, signed by the chief ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh on July 15, 2022, which aimed to reduce the number of disputed border villages from 123 to 86 and to establish Regional Committees for joint verification and resolution. The declaration continues to provide a framework for the ongoing dialogue, and both committees have indicated that they will continue joint verification activities and schedule further meetings to advance the settlement process.