Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with Home Minister Amit Shah, marked a historic day as they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to resolve the longstanding border dispute between the two states. The event took place at the Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block, with both Chief Ministers expressing their gratitude to Home Minister Amit Shah for his presence and initiative in bringing about a peaceful resolution.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated, "It is a historic day today for both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. We thank Home Minister Amit Shah for his presence and his initiative. We will make sure that there will be peaceful coexistence between the two states." He further acknowledged the support of all the 12 regional committees from both states and expressed his commitment to maintaining peace in the border areas.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recounted his first meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah where the assurance to resolve the border disputes in the Northeastern states was given. "We started the talks with Meghalaya then and gradually extended our discussions with other states. Today's decision to sign the MoU between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is a result of those efforts," he stated, expressing his appreciation for the Home Minister's step and initiative.
The border dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh has been a contentious issue for the past 50 years, involving 123 disputed villages. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed that out of these villages, the understanding has been reached for all but 2-3 villages, which are currently under survey. As a goodwill gesture, Arunachal Pradesh has also agreed to transfer a historic land space in Jorhat town to Assam, further strengthening the resolve for peaceful coexistence.
Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated both Chief Ministers and the people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh for the historic resolution of the border dispute, which had remained unresolved since 1972. "Around 700 km, approximately 800 km of Assam-Arunachal border disputes have been resolved today. I congratulate the people of both states and the Chief Ministers for their efforts in reaching this milestone," he said. He further stated that similar efforts will be made to resolve border disputes with other Northeastern states of Meghalaya, Nagaland