Syllabus: GS – II &V: Polity & Governance 

Why in the news?

The Governments of Assam and Mizoram have resumed official correspondence to prepare for the next round of talks to resolve their long-pending inter-State boundary dispute, with discussions proposed to be held in Aizawl.

Background: How the dispute began

The Assam–Mizoram border dispute is colonial in origin and deeply rooted in historical demarcations.

• During British rule, Lushai Hills (present-day Mizoram) was part of Assam.
• Mizoram became a Union Territory in 1972 and a full-fledged State in 1987.
• Assam’s districts of Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj share a 165 km boundary with Mizoram.
• The core dispute involves about 1,318 square kilometres of forested hills claimed by both States.

Colonial-era notifications at the core

Two British-era boundary definitions lie at the heart of the disagreement:

• 1875 Notification
  • Issued under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
  • Drew an Inner Line between the Cachar plains and the Lushai Hills.
  • Mizoram considers this line as the only legitimate boundary, arguing that Mizo chiefs were consulted.
• 1933 Demarcation
  • Boundary redrawn between Lushai Hills and Manipur.
  • Assam accepts this as the constitutional boundary, based on the Survey of India map.
  • Mizoram rejects it, claiming no consultation with Mizo leaders.

Recent tensions and clashes

Despite agreements to maintain status quo, tensions have persisted.

• The 123 km disputed stretch has seen repeated confrontations.
• The most serious incident occurred on July 26, 2021, when firing between police forces led to the death of five Assam policemen.
• Incidents of alleged encroachment, destruction of plantations, and movement of security forces have fuelled mistrust.
• Issues such as illegal drug routes, forest access, and village-level land use further complicate the situation.

Why the dispute escalates

The conflict is not merely territorial; it is social, economic and political.

• Identity preservation: Both Assamese and Mizo communities fear loss of ancestral land and cultural space.
• Ethnic land rights: Strong emotional attachment to land among border residents intensifies resistance.
• Political competition: Accusations of unilateral actions by State governments raise tensions.
• Administrative ambiguity: Poorly demarcated borders increase the scope for conflict.

Efforts made so far

• Multiple official-level and ministerial-level talks held in Aizawl, Guwahati and New Delhi.
• Meetings between former Chief Ministers Zoramthanga and Himanta Biswa Sarma in the presence of the Union Home Minister.
• Agreement to continue official talks before political negotiations and to maintain strict status quo on the ground.

Why resolution is crucial

• The Northeast is central to India’s Act East Policy, connecting India to Southeast Asia.
• Ongoing disputes threaten internal security, infrastructure projects, investment, and regional integration.
• Prolonged conflicts risk turning administrative disputes into long-term security challenges.

Way forward: A realistic solution

A durable settlement requires cooperation, not confrontation.

• Strengthening the Inter-State Council (Article 263) to institutionalise dialogue.
• Using the North Eastern Zonal Council for region-wide consensus-building.
• Scientific boundary demarcation using satellite imagery, Geographic Information Systems and drone surveys.
• Confidence-building measures, including joint patrolling and local-level coordination.
• Community engagement to prevent misinformation and reduce ground-level tensions.
• Development-focused interventions in border areas to reduce economic insecurities.

Conclusion

The Assam–Mizoram boundary dispute is a reminder that colonial legacies still shape present-day governance. While history explains the conflict, the future depends on dialogue, trust, and cooperative federalism. A peaceful resolution will not only secure borders but also unlock the developmental potential of the Northeast, strengthening India’s unity and strategic depth.

Exam Hook – 

“The Assam–Mizoram border dispute is rooted in colonial-era demarcations and competing claims over land and identity. Discuss the causes and suggest a way forward.”

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