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Centre�s move to resolve border dispute

By KALYAN BAROOAH

NEW DELHI, March 20 - In an initiative to defuse the tension at the inter-State border, a joint team of the states of Assam and Mizoram led by Joint Secretary (North-east) and accompanied by representatives of various departments of the two States will undertake a survey of the border area and submit a report to the Union Home Ministry. At the political level, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will hold a meeting with Chief Ministers, Sarbananda Sonowal and Lalthanhawla.

Official sources said that Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Tuesday held a meeting of the Chief Secretaries of Assam and Mizoram T Y Das and Lalmalsawma respectively on the inter-state border dispute in the context of recent incidents at Bairabi on March 8-10.

Sources said that it was decided that a team comprising Joint Secretary (North-east), Satyendra Garg and principal Home Secretaries of Assam and Mizoram will visit the area within a week. The team will submit its findings to the Union Home Secretary, which will be discussed in a follow up meeting with the Chief Secretaries of the two States. Thereafter, a meeting will be convened by the Union Home Minister with Chief Ministers of Assam and Mizoram.

Sources said that the two Chief Secretaries stated the position of their respective State Governments on the issue of construction of a shed at Kachurtal near Bairabi. Both State Governments reiterated their commitment to maintain peace and resolve the issues amicably, sources said.

It was decided in the meeting to maintain status quo at the spot. Assembly of people at the site will not be allowed. Both the Governments of Assam and Mizoram will take all measures to maintain peace in their respective areas. The joint team of officials will also include officials from forest, border and survey departments of the two states, said sources.

Meanwhile, emerging from the meeting, Director General of Police, Mukesh Sahay told waiting newsmen that it was decided at the meeting chaired by the Union Home Secretary that the two states will maintain peace and status quo and conduct a joint survey. The Home, Forest and Survey departments would be involved in the exercise.

The team will include officials of the MHA, representatives of Government of Assam and Mizoram. The Home and Border departments of the two states and experts will be part of the team. The situation at the border is currently peaceful, the DG said.

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