Assam-Mizoram to resolve boundary dispute

WHY IN THE NEWS?

Senior ministers from the governments of Assam and Mizoram held a detailed discussion on August 5, 2021, regarding the boundary dispute between Assam & Mizoram.

About:

• Following the meeting, a joint statement was released stating that boundary disputes would be resolved amicably.
• Assam Government also issued an order to revoke and withdraw a travel advisory for state residents and asked them to think before visiting Mizoram.
• The governments of Assam and Mizoram later agree to take forward initiatives taken by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Chief Ministers of both the states were asked to remove tension prevailing around interstate borders. They were also asked to find lasting solutions to the disputes through discussion.

How peace will be maintained?

To maintain peace in inter-state border areas and deployment of central forces, both the government highlighted that, Assam and Mizoram would not send their respective forest and police forces for the purpose of patrolling, domination, enforcement or for fresh deployment in any area where confrontation had taken place between police forces of both the states. It includes the areas along the Assam-Mizoram border in the districts of Karimganj, Hailakandi & Cachar in Assam, and Mamit & Kolasib districts of Mizoram.

Assam-Mizoram Boundary Dispute

The boundary dispute between Assam and Mizoram dates back to the colonial era when inner lines were demarcated in accordance with the administrative needs of the British Raj. This dispute started from two notifications passed under the British era.

1. Notification of 1875- It differentiated Lushai Hills from the plains of Cachar. It was derived from Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act, 1873.
2. Notification of 1933- It demarcated a boundary between Lushai Hills and Manipur.

Mizoram is of the view that the boundary should be demarcated on the basis of the 1875 notification and is opposing the 1933 notification citing that Mizo society was not consulted. While the Assam government follows notification of 1933. Thus, the dispute is there because of different perceptions of the border.