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Aizawl, August 10, 2024: Mizoram and Assam held ministerial-level talks at the State Guest House in Aizawl yesterday to discuss border issues. The Mizoram delegation, led by Home Minister Pu K. Sapdanga, included Land Revenue & Settlement Minister Pu B. Lalchhanzova, Home Secretary Pu Vanlalmawia, Additional Secretary Pu Joseph H. Lalramsanga, and other relevant officials. The Assam delegation was led by Border Protection and Development Minister Pu Atul Bora, accompanied by Principal Secretary Pu Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, IAS, Secretary Pi Prabhati Thaosen, IAS, Director Pi Subhalaxmi Deka, ACS and other important officials. Following thorough and detailed discussions, the Goodwill Mission, comprising delegations from both states, issued a joint statement, which was read out at a press conference held at the State Guest House in Aizawl.

JOINT STATEMENT

(9th August, 2024)

This Joint Statement is signed between the Government of Mizoram represented by Shri K. Sapdanga, Hon'ble Home Minister, Mizoram and the Government of Assam represented by Shri Atul Bora, Hon'ble Minister, Border Protection & Development Department, Assam at State Guest House, Aizawl, Mizoram on the 9th August, 2024.

1. It is reaffirmed that the 'Goodwill Mission' between the Government of Mizoram and the Government of Assam held on 9th August, 2024 at Aizawl, Mizoram is to take forward the firm commitment and initiative made in the meeting on 9th February, 2024 between the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Assam and the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Mizoram for resolution of the inter-State boundary dispute in an atmosphere of understanding and goodwill between the two States.

2. Both the States agreed to continue to promote and maintain peace and harmony and prevent any untoward incidents along the inter- State border. Joint Cultural and Sports festivals may be organised at frequent intervals by concerned administrative authorities of the inter-State border Districts of Mizoram and Assam to start before 31st January, 2025.

3. Both the States reaffirmed the decisions of the Joint Statements of all the previous meetings to arrive at an amicable resolution on the vexed border issues. It has been decided that all pending discussions and decisions to be made on the issue and other connected matters shall be taken up by officials of both the State Governments. This will be followed by a series of meetings to be held at venues decided by both officials. It was further decided that next Ministerial level meeting will take place in Guwahati, Assam before 31st March, 2025.

4. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue sustained zero tolerance policy against transportation of smuggled arecanut from other countries.

5. Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of both States shall continue to have regular meetings to promote peace and harmony along the inter-State border. Such meetings may be.held virtually each month and in person every six months.

6. The Delegations jointly agreed that the cooperation of the people living on both sides of the States is extremely crucial for a peaceful solution of border disputes. The general public and all stakeholders are expected to bring any differences on border issues to the appropriate authorities without taking law into their own hands.

Joint Statement (2).pdf