The recent dispute between Assam and Mizoram has raised questions about the long-standing inter-state boundary issues amongst the Northeast states. The incident occurred in the border region, which is 165 km long, pertaining both to states of Assam and Mizoram. Interestingly, both these states share their border with Bangladesh.
Ongoing Conflict
The ongoing tension between the residents of Lailapur village in Assam’s Cachar district and the inhabitants of localities near Vairengte in Mizoram’s Kolasib district brought these boundary disputes to the spotlight yet again. A similar altercation took place in October 2020 on the border of Karimaganj (Assam) and Mamit (Mizoram) districts. Notably, Mizoram civil society groups accuse “illegal Bangladeshis” from the Assam side for the ensuing conflicts.
Historical Background
The boundary problems between Assam and Mizoram have a historical origin that dates back to the British colonial era. The borders were marked based on the administrative needs of the British Raj, often neglecting the physical and cultural realities of the regions involved. Although Mizoram achieved statehood in 1987 and Assam in 1950, neither state has been able to agree on a shared perception of the border.
The Assam-Mizoram feud originates from two respective notifications, one from 1875 distinguishing Lushai Hills from the plains of Cachar, and another one from 1933 delineating a boundary between Lushai Hills and Manipur. The disagreement lies in that Mizoram prefers the 1875 notification as a reference while Assam adheres to the 1933 demarcation.
Other Boundary Disputes in the Northeast
Apart from the Assam-Mizoram issue, there are other boundary issues involving Assam and its neighboring states such as Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. During the British rule, present-day Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya were part of Assam, but they became separate states over time.
Nagaland, which shares a 500-km border with Assam, achieved statehood in December 1963 by incorporating parts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The border conflict between Assam and Nagaland has been ongoing since 1965, characterized by violent clashes, armed conflicts, and killings.
Arunachal Pradesh shares an over 800 km boundary with Assam. Both states have faced accusations of illegal encroachment from each other, leading to intermittent clashes since the first report in 1992.
Lastly, the 884-km boundary between Assam and Meghalaya also witnesses flare-ups regularly. Meghalaya was initially an autonomous state within Assam before gaining statehood in 1972. As of today, there are reportedly 12 disputed areas between the two states.
Last Modified: February 9, 2024