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Assam, Arunachal to hold regular meetings to resolve border row

By Correspondent

ITANAGAR, Oct 12 - The Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments have decided to maintain status quo and hold inter-state coordination meetings on a regular basis to resolve the decades-old boundary row between the two Northeastern states.

Various important issues pertaining to border dispute were discussed by top Government officials of both the States when a high-level delegation from Assam led by Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna along with Additional Chief Secretary (Home, Political, Border Protection and Development Department) Jishnu Barua and DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta held a meeting with their counterparts in Arunachal Pradesh at the Civil Secretariat here today.

The Arunachal Pradesh delegation led by Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar comprised of Home Commissioner Kaling Tayeng, DGP RP Upadhyaya, IGP (Law & Order) Chukhu Apa, Lower Siang Deputy Commissioner AK Singh, Lower Dibang Valley DC Mitali Namchoom, Papumpare DC Pige Ligu and SP Jimmy Chiram, SP (SB) John Pada, Border Affairs Director Hage Lailang and Joint Director Nighe Bengia.

�As a measure to resolve boundary-related disputes like encroachment, firewood and sand gravel collection, disputes relating to PMGSY road, drug trafficking/smuggling, extremist movement, etc., a way forward was decided upon in the meeting,� an official release stated.

�It was decided that a structured district-wise committee should be formed with DCs, SPs, and District Forest Officers of both the bordering districts of the two States at the district level to address disputes in their areas.

�Regular meetings should be held between the counterparts, it was decided. If any dispute arises, it may be decided by the top officials and the opposite party should be taken into confidence and resolve the issue in a peaceful manner.�

�The top officials also agreed to address the issue of cases pending against government officials relating to border disputes at the earliest�.

Acknowledging the importance of CBOs in solving border problems locally, it was also decided that community-based organisations should also be consulted and engaged in case of disputes.

To continue the spirit of brotherhood and bonhomie between both sides, the high-level teams decided to conduct games and sports, besides cultural exchanges between the people of the two States.

It was also agreed to maintain peace at any cost along the border areas so that unwanted elements which are taking advantage of the border disputes are checked and controlled. Both the parties also agreed to convene inter-state coordination meetings on a regular basis, the release added.

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