Three Mizoram districts – Aizawl, Kolasib and Mamit – share a 164.6 km long border with Assam’s Cachar, Karmganj and Hailankandi districts.
Since the creation of Mizoram, which became a state in 1987 after first becoming a union territory in 1972, there has been a boundary dispute between Assam and Mizoram.
Mizoram:
Mizoram was once known as Lushai Hills, an Assam district, during the colonial era.
The State of Mizoram Act, 1986, gave Mizoram statehood in 1987.
Assam joined India as a constituent state in 1950, but between the early 1960s and the early 1970s, new states that emerged within its borders caused it to lose a significant amount of its land.
Historical Context:
The boundary issue dates back to the colonial era, influenced by administrative needs under British rule.
1875 Notification: Differentiated Lushai Hills (now Mizoram) from the plains of Cachar in Assam.
1933 Notification: Demarcated the boundary between Lushai Hills and Manipur.
Current Dispute:
Mizoram’s Stance: Prefers the 1875 boundary as per the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act, 1873. Mizo leaders argue that the 1933 boundary was set without consulting Mizo society.
Assam’s Stance: Adheres to the 1933 demarcation, leading to differing perceptions of the border.
Geographical and Administrative Context:
Border Length: 164.6 km separates Assam and Mizoram.
Affected Districts: Assam’s Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj districts share borders with Mizoram’s Kolasib, Mamit, and Aizawl districts.
Natural Barriers: The border follows hills, valleys, rivers, and forests, contributing to differing perceptions and skirmishes.
Conflict and Resolution:
Skirmishes: Border skirmishes are attributed to differing interpretations of the boundary line.
Frequency: Compared to other neighboring states of Assam, such as Nagaland, clashes between Assam and Mizoram are less frequent.
Way forward:
Constitutional Mechanisms:
Inter-State Council: Activate the Inter-State Council under Article 263 of the Constitution to mediate disputes.
Supreme Court: Utilize Article 131 to seek adjudication by the Supreme Court if necessary.
An Independent Interstate Boundary Commission is crucial to address the complex and contested claims between Assam and Mizoram.
The commission should conduct a thorough consultative process to formulate a solution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders.
Central Government Utilization: The disputed land could be managed by the central government, with appropriate compensation provided to both states.
Compensation and Land Allocation: Consider compensating one state while awarding land to the other, or equally distributing the disputed land between the states, based on stakeholder agreements.
Role of the Court: Once a solution is accepted, the court should oversee the implementation to ensure compliance and address any arbitrary actions.
Bringing the Situation Under Control:
Spirit of Give and Take:
A mutually agreeable solution requires flexibility and negotiation, facilitated by the Union government.
Involvement of local communities and stakeholders in discussions to ensure inclusive resolution.
Reserve Forests and Encroachments: Ensuring that reserve forests are free from encroachments by either state.
De-escalation and Status Quo: The Home Ministry should prioritize de-escalating the border situation and restoring the status quo.
These measures aim to address the border dispute between Assam and Mizoram effectively, ensuring a fair and peaceful resolution while respecting the rights and concerns of all parties involved.
