GUWAHATI:
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu on July 15 signed the historic document called “Namsai Declaration” deciding on 37 villages of disputes.
However, the final decision will be taken only after recommendations by the Regional Committees set up by both the government to put an end to the inter-state boundary dispute.
“Happy to announce the signing of Namsai Declaration at CM-level meeting between Assam & Arunachal Pradesh. Inspired by Adarniya PM Shri @narendramodiji & guided by Adarniya HM Shri @AmitShah ji, we could achieve this landmark in resolving our long-pending border disputes,” Sarma tweeted after signing the declaration.
“Along with Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu ji, we’ve decided to restrict the ‘disputed villages’ to 86 instead of 123. Based on our present boundary, we’ll try to resolve the rest by 15 Sept 2022,” Sarma further said.
In the meeting both the chief minister also agreed in principle to restrict the number of disputed villages to 86 instead of 123.
Of 37 villages, 28 villages which are within the constitutional boundary of Arunachal Pradesh will remain with Arunachal Pradesh. These villages are Doimara, Pichola, Banderdewa, Upper Jumi, Balisori, Lika, Bali, Gogar, Jipu, Pale, Seren, Pam, Old Deka, Nari Hq, Depi, Depi Moli, Detak, Debing, Rayang, Ngorlung, Oyan, Tiniali, Kangkomng, Hazu Khuti Camp, Sunpura Hq, Mengkeng Miri, Longkhojan and Rangula will remain with Arunachal Pradesh.
Three villages- Deopani Naga Gaon, Bare Gaon, and Ponton Basti on which claims were withdrawn by Arunachal Pradesh vide letter No HMB(B)49/2010 Vol-I dated November 11, 2010, will remain with Assam.
The location of six villages – Khelong, Foot Hill, Tani Hapa, Richi Rite, Nyijir Koche and Ngopi could not be found on the Assam side. The decision was taken if these villages exist in Arunachal Pradesh, these will continue with the neighbouring state.
12 Regional committees which have been formed by both the state governments will submit their first report within September 15, 2022.
The draft MoU will be referred to the Union government as and when the Regional Committees conclude their deliberation and the agreement arrives.
The demand for 123 villages has been put from the Arunachal Pradesh government to the Local commission vide letter No HMB(B)-69/2006 Vol I on December 26, 2008.
All border issues between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh will be confined to those raised before the Local commission in 2007.
Khandu said the ‘declaration’, which has laid a solid foundation to end the interstate boundary issue, is the result of the commitment and resolve of BJP governments both in the states as well as in the centre.
“We are immensely grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and Union home minister Amit Shah for their continued guidance to ensure lasting peace in the Northeast region,” Khandu said.
Khandu also profusely thanked his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma for his proactive involvement, commitment and resolve to bring bonhomie between all neighbouring states by bringing permanent and lasting solutions to interstate boundary disputes.
“I don’t believe in blame games but had there been a political will – as we have shown today – in the past, the issues between neighbouring states, including interstate boundary disputes, could have been resolved. If there is a ‘political’ will, there’s always a ‘political’ way out,” Khandu also said.
Khandu termed the signing of the Namsai Declaration as historic and a road to peace along the boundary with Assam.
This was the third round of talks between the two chief ministers. Earlier, both of them met in Itanagar on January 24, 2022, which was followed by another meeting on April 20 in Guwahati.
During the first meeting on January 24, 2022, it was decided that all border issues between Assam and Arunachal will be confined to those raised before the Local Commission in 2007, the boundary line delineated and signed on the 29 Toposheets by the High Powered Tripartite Committee as notified during 1980 would be taken as the basis for realignment of boundary by both states and iii) both states would constitute 12 Regional Committees each covering the 12 districts of Arunachal Pradesh and counterpart districts of Assam for joint verification of 123 villages to make recommendations to respective State Governments.
In line with the January agreement, both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh notified 12 Regional Committees.
The Regional Committees will submit their first tranche of the report before September 15, 2022.
Arunachal deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, Assam border development minister Atul Bora, Assam irrigation minister Ashok Singhal, Assam water resource minister Pijush Hazarika, industries minister Bimal Borah, tea tribe welfare minister Sanjoy Kishan, MP Pradan Baruah, MLAs Taranga Gogoi, Bolin Chetia were also present