Arunachal Pradesh Govt Reconstitutes Committees to Resolve Assam Border Dispute

The Arunachal Pradesh government has reconstituted six regional committees to assess the current status of the border dispute with Assam. Despite an agreement signed in 2022 to resolve the issue, disputes persist in six districts. Key ministers have been appointed as chairmen of the respective committees.

The Arunachal Pradesh government has re-constituted six regional committees to examine the current status of the border dispute with Assam.

A notification from the Home and inter-state border affairs department on Thursday confirmed that the original Terms of Reference (ToR) from June 1, 2022, will continue to apply.

The six districts where the dispute remains unresolved are Pakke Kessang, Papum Pare, Kamle, Lower Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, and Longding. Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge will lead Pakke Kessang's committee, while other districts will have their respective ministers as chairmen.

Notably, on July 15, 2022, the chief ministers of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam signed the 'Namsai Declaration,' attempting to limit disputed villages to 86, down from 123. Despite the agreement, historical and territorial contentions continue to challenge the resolution.

Arunachal Pradesh, declared a union territory in 1972 and gaining statehood in 1987, claims several forested areas traditionally belonged to its hill tribal chiefs, which were transferred to Assam. A longstanding Supreme Court case further complicates the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)