Assam Government Seeks New Talks with Nagaland to Resolve Border Dispute

The Assam government is pushing for renewed high-level discussions with Nagaland to address the ongoing border dispute that has troubled residents for years. Minister Atul Bora highlighted the necessity of dialogue to achieve a lasting resolution, while acknowledging the differing claims from both states. Recent tensions have arisen around a proposed road project and competing land ownership claims. Additionally, a government employee was arrested for possessing an illegal firearm linked to cross-border arms trafficking. The situation remains complex, with local residents calling for tripartite talks to ensure their interests are protected.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 1, 2026, 14:04 IST

High-Level Discussions Proposed

Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora (extreme right) with Mariani MLA (middle) while visiting border disputed area in Jorhat (Photo: @ATULBORA2/X)

Jorhat, July 1: The Assam administration has initiated plans for a new series of high-level talks with Nagaland to address the long-standing interstate border conflict. Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora emphasized that dialogue is essential for achieving a lasting resolution.

During his visit to the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) in the Disoi Valley Reserved Forest along the Assam-Nagaland border in Mariani, Bora reiterated the government's commitment to alleviating the ongoing tensions affecting local residents.

He stated, "The border issue between Assam and Nagaland has persisted for years, causing distress to those living in the border regions. We aim for a definitive resolution. The Chief Minister is pursuing a give-and-take approach to settle these interstate disputes through conversation."

Bora acknowledged the conflicting claims from both states regarding the disputed territories and mentioned that local residents have raised concerns about breaches of prior border agreements, while Nagaland officials have their own narratives.

He remarked, "It is crucial to conduct another high-level discussion, whether administratively or politically. While court proceedings will continue, ongoing community conflicts will only prolong the suffering of the residents and hinder development."

In response to claims that Assam's land was being transferred to Nagaland, Bora refuted these allegations, clarifying that his visit was to evaluate the situation directly.

He noted, "In some cases, to mitigate conflicts, certain decisions may become necessary, but this does not imply that the border can be changed."

The minister also inspected the site for a proposed Border Roads Organisation (BRO) project in the Mariani area, which has recently heightened tensions. He indicated that a final decision regarding the project would be made after discussions with local MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi, the district administration, and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

"Future actions will be determined with the interests of the State and the welfare of the people in mind," Bora added.

This visit followed a tour by Gaurav Gogoi, president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee and Jorhat MP, who criticized both the Assam and Central governments for neglecting the needs of residents in the disputed area.

Recent conflicts in the Mariani sector have centered around the proposed road project, competing land claims, and objections to development activities in the disputed region. Local residents have called for tripartite discussions involving the Centre and the governments of Assam and Nagaland to find a sustainable solution.

In a separate incident on Wednesday, Jorhat Police apprehended a government employee and seized an illegal .22-calibre pistol along with 23 rounds of ammunition during a raid in Borhola, a village near the Assam-Nagaland border. The suspect, Bijoy Krishna Bora, a Grade-IV employee at Shankar Madhab High School, was arrested at his rented home in Nagabat.

Authorities reported that the suspect confessed during questioning that he had obtained the firearm and ammunition from Nagaland. Investigations are underway to explore potential connections to an illegal arms trafficking network operating along the Assam-Nagaland border.