Northeast Desk, 20th July: The newly inducted members of the Regional Border Dispute Committee for Papum Pare district in Arunachal Pradesh convened on Friday to develop strategies aimed at resolving the border issues with neighboring Assam amicably. During the meeting, the committee members reviewed the groundwork laid by the previous panel and assessed the current conditions to form a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Nabam Vivek, an MLA and committee member, emphasized the importance of accurate and up-to-date information for making informed decisions. “By assessing the ground realities, we can develop targeted solutions that address area-specific causes of border issues,” he stated. This approach is crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced in different areas along the border.
Arunachal Pradesh and Assam share an 804 km long boundary, with the two states’ chief ministers signing the Namsai Declaration in July 2022 to resolve the decades-old boundary dispute. Another committee member, Rajya Sabha MP Nabam Rebia, highlighted the need for prior consultations with local authorities, community leaders, and affected people before making any decisions on the boundary issue. This inclusive approach aims to work out an amicable solution through dialogue and collaboration.
In a move to address the ongoing border dispute with Assam, the Arunachal Pradesh government recently reconstituted six regional committees. This decision, formalized in a notification issued by the Home and Inter-State Border Affairs Department on July 11, is part of a broader effort to resolve long-standing issues. The Terms of Reference (ToR) for these regional committees remain consistent with those outlined in the original notification from June 1, 2022, ensuring continuity in their work and adherence to established guidelines and objectives.
The reconstitution affects six districts in Arunachal Pradesh where the border dispute with Assam remains unresolved due to disagreements on the demarcation of villages along the inter-state boundary. These districts are Pakke Kessang, Papum Pare, Kamle, Lower Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, and Longding. By focusing on these areas, the regional committees aim to find lasting solutions to the border conflict through a detailed and informed approach.