Guwahati: The boundary negotiations between the governments of Mizoram and Assam which were scheduled to take place on November 4 have been requested to be postponed.
According to a senior official in the state Home department on Friday, the Mizoram government has submitted a written plea to postpone the next border talks in light of President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to the northeastern state.
According to reports, Droupadi Murmu is expected to visit Aizawl for two days on November 3. She will open the Indian Institute of Mass Communication North Eastern Regional campus in Aizawl and attend the convocation of Mizoram University (MZU) on November 3.
The president will also address the state assembly on November 4.
The home department’s assistant secretary Lalhriatpuia stated that they suggested the negotiations be postponed to November 9–11 on the command of the chief minister Zoramthanga.
“We have proposed the border talks to be held from November 9 to 11 due to the upcoming visit of the President. We are waiting for a response from the Assam government, which will fix the new date,” he said.
According to the additional secretary, the Mizoram delegation would be led by Home Minister Lalchamliana, who is expected to be joined by either Forest Minister T.J. Lalnuntluanga or Land Revenue and Settlement Minister Lalruatkima.
He noted that in addition to other senior departmental officials, the delegation would also comprise Home Commissioner and Secretary H Lalengmawia.
The border dispute between the two neighbouring states is a long pending and vexed issue, which stemmed from two colonial demarcations of 1875 and 1933.