Joint Survey Proposed to Resolve Arunachal Pradesh and Assam Boundary Dispute
Efforts to Address Boundary Issues
Itanagar, Nov 3: A collaborative ground-level survey has been suggested to address the long-standing boundary dispute between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, specifically in the Rukmo sector.
This proposal emerged during a Regional Committee meeting held in Roing, which included representatives from the Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh and Tinsukia district of Assam. The discussions focused on the unresolved boundary issues and emphasized the importance of reaching a peaceful and enduring resolution.
Ojing Tasing, the Arunachal Pradesh minister and chairman of the Regional Committee, urged the Assam representatives to consider the natural geographical boundary formed by the Kundil River in the Kundil-Kolia Reserve Forest area.
He highlighted that the local human settlements are situated on the Arunachal Pradesh side and can only be accessed through that state. Tasing called for a thorough examination of the historical, geographical, and administrative factors related to the Rukmo issue to achieve a mutually agreeable resolution.
He expressed support for the establishment of committees and the execution of a joint ground-level survey to evaluate the situation and aid in proper boundary demarcation.
Atul Bora, the Assam minister and chairman of the Tinsukia Regional Committee, emphasized the necessity of revisiting the disputed area to work towards a lasting solution. He noted that mutual understanding, flexibility, and a spirit of compromise would be crucial in resolving the matter.
Rameshwar Teli, the Tinsukia Guardian Minister and Minister for Transformation and Development, Labour Welfare, Tea Tribes, and Adivasi Welfare, stated that every issue could be resolved through collective determination and genuine commitment. He also advocated for the formation of committees from both states and a joint on-site survey to evaluate the ground realities.
Mutchu Mithi, an advisor to the Arunachal Pradesh government on Home and Education and a member of the Regional Committee, voiced the concerns of the Rukmo residents and called for ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the two states. MLA Puinnyo Apum, another committee member, also shared his insights on the boundary dispute, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution.
Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Fwwrman Brahma provided an update on the situation from Arunachal Pradesh's perspective, along with pertinent facts and developments.
Tinsukia Deputy Commissioner Sumit Sattawan reaffirmed his dedication to upholding the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The meeting outlined three primary actions: conducting a joint ground-level survey of the disputed region; reviewing historical records, notifications, and other documentation related to boundary demarcation and administrative jurisdiction; and taking into account natural geographical features, existing settlements, accessibility, and administrative arrangements.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to resolving the dispute through dialogue and mutual understanding, while fostering peace and friendly relations between the residents of both states. The proposed survey is anticipated to serve as a foundation for further discussions and efforts towards a mutually acceptable resolution.