Assam Assembly Takes Up Inter-State Boundary Disputes And Encroachment Challenges

Inter-state boundary disputes involving Assam and neighbouring states were discussed in the Assam Legislative Assembly during the Budget Session, with lawmakers raising concerns over alleged encroachment and the challenges faced by people living in border areas. During Question Hour, legislators sought details on the status of disputes with Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, while urging the state government to take stronger steps towards finding a permanent solution.

Assam’s Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora informed the Assembly that large areas of land remain under alleged encroachment by neighbouring states. According to official data presented by the minister, more than 16,144 hectares of Assam’s land are affected by the dispute with Arunachal Pradesh, while 59,490 hectares are linked to the Assam-Nagaland boundary issue. The figures also included 3,442 hectares involving Meghalaya and 82,752 hectares related to Mizoram.

Bora said the boundary disputes are decades-old issues that emerged after the creation of new states, when boundaries were not fully demarcated. He explained that disagreements along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh, Assam-Nagaland, Assam-Mizoram, and Assam-Meghalaya borders have continued for years. The minister said discussions with neighbouring states are underway to find permanent solutions, adding that Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram have shown willingness to engage, while talks with Nagaland are continuing alongside a pending case in the Supreme Court.

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Congress MLA Nurul Hoda, who raised the issue during Question Hour, questioned the government’s handling of the disputes and expressed concerns over the safety of residents living in affected areas. He alleged that armed groups continue to create fear among people in some border regions and claimed that households in disputed areas have faced demands for money. Hoda said stronger government intervention was needed to protect citizens living along Assam’s interstate boundaries.

Congress MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed also criticised the governments at the state and central levels, stating that residents in disputed regions continue to face difficulties due to unresolved boundary issues. He highlighted problems along the Assam-Nagaland border and said repeated discussions have not resulted in a permanent settlement. Ahmed called for meaningful negotiations and coordinated efforts with neighbouring states to ensure peace and security for border communities.

The Assembly discussion highlighted the continuing complexity of Assam’s interstate boundary disputes and the need for sustained dialogue between governments. Lawmakers across party lines stressed the importance of resolving the issues through peaceful negotiations, legal processes, and joint efforts to protect the rights and interests of people living in border areas.

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