In a significant development, Assam and Mizoram have reiterated their commitment to finding an amicable solution to the longstanding border dispute and maintaining peace along their shared border.

The announcement was made following a ministerial-level meeting held in Aizawl on August 9, 2024.

Assam’s Border Protection and Development Minister, Atul Bora, addressed the media after the meeting, highlighting the renewed resolve of both states to work towards a peaceful resolution.

"The Goodwill Mission between the Government of Mizoram and the Government of Assam, held on August 9, 2024, in Aizawl, reaffirms the firm commitment made during the February 9, 2024 meeting between the Chief Ministers of Assam and Mizoram to resolve the inter-state boundary dispute in a spirit of understanding and goodwill," Bora said.

Both states agreed to take concrete steps to prevent any untoward incidents along the border. Among these measures, deputy commissioners and superintendents of police from both states will conduct virtual meetings monthly and in-person meetings every six months to ensure ongoing peace and harmony.

In a move to foster goodwill among the people living along the disputed border, Assam and Mizoram also agreed to organize joint cultural and sports festivals before January 31, 2024. Additionally, the two states reaffirmed their zero-tolerance policy toward the smuggling of arecanut from other countries.

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The meeting emphasized the crucial role of local communities in maintaining peace and urged residents to bring any border-related disputes to the appropriate authorities instead of taking matters into their own hands.

It was decided that all pending discussions and decisions regarding the border issue would be taken up by officials from both state governments, followed by a series of meetings to be held at mutually agreed-upon locations.

The next ministerial-level meeting is scheduled to take place before March 31, 2024, Minister Bora confirmed.

The Mizoram delegation was led by Home Minister K Sapdnaga. This meeting marked the first in 21 months since the last session held in November 2022, and it was the first under Mizoram's new Chief Minister, Laduhoma.

The border dispute between Assam and Mizoram involves three districts on each side. In Mizoram, the districts of Aizawl, Kolasib, and Mamit share a 164.6-kilometer border with Assam’s Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi districts.

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