It is a well-known fact that India has several border disputes with Pakistan, China and even Nepal. Many countries in the world have border disputes with their neighbouring countries. India is made up of several states, which too have inter-state border disputes. Such conflicts have never escalated to a situation that one state issues travel advisory to its rival state despite being in the same country.
Such has happened with Assam and Mizoram locking themselves in a border disputes battle. As with many places worldwide, border disputes come from agreeing to two different border-demarcation lines signed off in two different years. Mizoram officially recognizes the border, which was signed in 1875, while Assam follows the 1933 agreement. While it seems that the latest border should always be followed, Mizoram claims the 1933 border was set without consulting the local tribal chief. In fact, Assam has border disputes with most of its neighbouring states.
Mizoram have allegedly started constructing a road through the disputed border, through the middle of Lailapur Reserved Forest, an ecologically sensitive zone. This irked Assam, and they deployed police in the region to stop the construction work. The situation tensed when police from both sides opened fire at each other. The skirmish resulted in 7 deaths, including that of 6 police officers and 1 civilian, as well as over 70 injuries. Assam police have accused Mizoram police of opening the fire first, after which Assam advised a complete travel blockade of Mizoram.
However, there were several channels open for bilateral talks. Assam and Mizoram both used the communication channels available, and peace talks have resumed between the state ministers. As per the latest decision, both sides have resumed between the state ministers. As per the latest decision, both sides have agreed to keep their neutral forces keeping utmost restraint, Mizoram condemning the killings and Assam withdrawing the Travel Advisory. We hope that peace remains between the two north-eastern states of India and settle their border disputes peacefully through bilateral talks.
Written by – Himadri Paul