The Assam government has forwarded a draft agreement to resolve the inter-state border dispute withArunachal Pradeshfor its approval. Once signed, the agreement will pave the way for signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to bring an end to the longstanding row between the two states within this month. The two states share an 804 km-long border.
Confirming the development, Assam border area development minister AtulBorasaid, The draft of the MoU was discussed threadbare and given a final shape. The copy will now be shared with them (Arunachal Pradesh) and if they approve it, we can proceed to the signing stage, which we expect would be within this month.
The draft agreement was finalised after a review meeting by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday evening, said. All members of the 12 regional committees of Assam, local MLAs, MPs and District Administration officials were present at the meeting to finalise the draft MoU.
Notably, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have been engaging in discussions to resolve the border disputes with Sarma and his Arunachal counterpart Pema Khandu signing the Namsai Declaration on July 15 last year. In the declaration, both the chief ministers pledged to find solutions to the disputes soon. The two northeastern states also decided to restrict the number of disputed villages to 86, instead of the previous 123.