In a renewed push to resolve their long-standing border dispute, Assam and Mizoram will hold a fresh round of official-level talks on April 25 in Guwahati. The meeting aims to ease tensions and work towards a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution for the people living along the volatile border. Mizoram Home Minister K Sapdanga confirmed the development, stating that preparations are underway and the state is finalising its delegation. The Mizoram team is likely to be led by Home Secretary Vanlalmawia. Assam officials have already extended a formal invitation for the talks. This round of dialogue comes after delays earlier this year. Assam had proposed talks in March, but Mizoram cited scheduling conflicts due to an ongoing state assembly session and a visit by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The upcoming meeting is seen as an opportunity to restart discussions after months of diplomatic lull.
At the heart of the conflict are differing interpretations of historical boundaries. Mizoram insists on the 1875 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation as the rightful basis, which defines the region inhabited by the Mizo tribes. Assam, on the other hand, relies on the 1933 Survey of India map, which it claims reflects administrative jurisdiction. The disagreement has led to overlapping territorial claims along a 164.6-kilometre stretch, impacting three districts on each side. While localised tensions have simmered for years, the dispute reached a flashpoint in July 2021, when a violent clash near Vairengte village in Mizoram left seven dead and several others injured.
Despite the tragedy, both states have since committed to dialogue. Four rounds of ministerial-level talks and numerous official meetings have been held since 2021. The most recent high-level meeting took place in August 2023 in Aizawl, where both sides reiterated their commitment to peace and pledged to maintain status quo along the border. Officials have emphasized the importance of resolving the issue not only for administrative clarity but also to ensure safety and stability for residents living in the affected areas, many of whom continue to live under uncertainty. The April 25 meeting is expected to focus on building trust, reviewing ground-level realities, and identifying areas where common ground can be established. Depending on its outcome, further ministerial-level discussions may be scheduled to move closer to a permanent solution.
