Mizoram-Assam Border Dispute: Construction Halted Amid Tensions

Mizoram Home Minister K Sapdanga announced the halt of a road construction by the Assam administration in the disputed border area. The construction was discovered during an inspection, prompting immediate action from local officials. The two states continue to address their long-standing border dispute through dialogue, with a new round of talks scheduled for August 9.

Mizoram Home Minister K Sapdanga announced on Thursday that the construction of a road by the Assam administration in the disputed border area between the two states has been halted.

An inspection revealed that the Assam government commenced new road construction while clearing several border roads affected by recent landslides, Sapdanga stated. As soon as the report was received, Kolasib's deputy commissioner contacted his Cachar counterpart to halt the construction. The issue has since been resolved, he added.

This development comes days after the opposition MNF and a student organization alleged illegal road construction by Assam near Vairengte town. The Mizoram and Assam governments will resume border talks in Aizawl on August 9, led by their respective ministers.

The border dispute persisted for decades, turning deadly in July 2021 when police forces from both states clashed, resulting in seven deaths and over 60 injuries. The dispute stems from colonial-era demarcations, with Mizoram and Assam holding conflicting territory claims.

(With inputs from agencies.)