Assam government says talks with neighbouring states are progressing, while opposition raises concerns over security and continued hardships faced by residents in disputed border areas
Guwahati: Assam’s long-pending interstate boundary disputes resurfaced in the Assembly on Wednesday after the government revealed that more than 1.61 lakh hectares of the state’s land are under encroachment by four neighbouring states, while expressing confidence that the disputes could be resolved within the next five years.
The issue was raised during Question Hour by Congress MLA Nurul Hoda, who sought details on the status of Assam’s border disputes with Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
Replying in the House, Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora said official records indicate that 82,751.8618 hectares are under Mizoram, 59,490.21 hectares under Nagaland, 16,144.0117 hectares under Arunachal Pradesh and 3,441.8601 hectares under Meghalaya.
Speaking later, Bora described the disputes as a legacy issue arising from the reorganisation of northeastern states when several boundaries were left undemarcated. He said negotiations with Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram have made encouraging progress, while talks with Nagaland remain complicated due to a pending case before the Supreme Court. Despite the challenges, he expressed hope that all interstate boundary disputes would be settled within five years.
The discussion drew sharp criticism from the opposition. Congress MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed alleged that residents along the Assam-Nagaland border continue to face recurring incursions and hardships despite repeated rounds of talks.
Nurul Hoda also questioned the government’s response, alleging that villagers in disputed areas continue to face intimidation from armed groups and extortion demands. He urged the state to strengthen security and ensure lasting protection for people living in vulnerable border regions.
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