The Assam and Mizoram governments on Thursday signed a joint statement after a ministerial-level discussion at Aizawl on the ongoing inter-state border dispute.

Both the governments agreed to take forward the initiatives taken by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to remove prevailing tensions over the Assam-Mizoram border issue and to find lasting solutions through discussions.

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The discussion took place at Aijal Club in the state capital.

“Govt. of Assam & Govt. of Mizoram successfully signed a Joint Statement today after deliberations at Aizawl. Both governments agree to take forward Ministry of Home Affairs’ initiatives to remove prevailing tensions and to find lasting solutions through discussions,” CMO Mizoram tweeted after the meeting.

From Assam, the ministerial-level discussion was attended by Cabinet ministers Atul Bora and Ashok Singhal.

From the Mizoram side, home minister Lalchamliana attended the border talks along with other officials.

Informing about the discussion, Assam minister Ashok Singhal tweeted: “With great optimism from both sides, we held our discussion with the Home Minister of Mizoram @Lalchamliana12 Ji & other officials on resolving the #AssamMizoramBorder issue.”

Singhal said Thursday’s discussion was a continuation of the discussion initiated by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga.

“This is in continuation of the discussion initiated by HCM @himantabiswa Ji & HCM @ZoramthangaCM
Ji,” he added.

The joint statement said: “The representatives of Government of Mizoram convey condolences for the loss of lives on July 26, 2021 and convey best wishes for speedy recovery of those injured.”

Both the state governments agree to maintain peace in the inter-State border areas and welcomed deployment of neutral force by the Government of India in this regard.

“For this purpose, both the states shall not send their respective forest and police forces for patrolling, domination, enforcement or for fresh deployment to any of the areas where confrontation and conflict has taken place between the police forces of the two states during recent times,” the joint statement said.

“This would include all such areas along the Assam-Mizoram border in the districts of Karimganj, Hailakandi and Cachar, Assam; Mamit and Kolasib districts, Mizoram,” it said.

The representatives of the Assam and Mizoram governments agreed to take all necessary measures to promote, preserve and maintain peace and harmony amongst the people living in Assam and Mizoram, particularly in the border areas.

The joint statement was signed by Assam agriculture minister Atul Bora, Mizoram home minister Lalchamliana, Assam commissioner & secretary, border protection and development, GD Tripathi and Mizoram home secretary Vanlalngathska.