In a significant move towards settling the long-standing inter-state boundary conflict, the first border pillar was placed along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border in Seijosa. The installation of the pillar was overseen by officials from both states to ensure precision and mutual consent on the ground. Notable figures present at the event included Deputy Commissioners from Arunachal Pradesh’s Pakke Kessang district and Assam’s Biswanath district, along with senior police officials, community leaders, and village heads.
The border pillar’s placement aligns with the Namsai Declaration signed in July 2022, which aimed to address the age-old boundary dispute spanning the 804-km inter-state border between the two Northeastern states. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu hailed the erection of the first border pillar as a significant stride echoing the essence of the Namsai Declaration. He emphasized the milestone’s importance in transitioning from years of uncertainty to peaceful coexistence, clarity, and stability for border communities.
Chief Minister Khandu, on a social media platform, expressed, “A historic milestone has been achieved in the Arunachal Pradesh–Assam boundary resolution process with the successful installation of the first official border pillar at Seijosa in Pakke Kessang district.” He credited the accomplishment to the joint efforts of senior officials from both states, highlighting the role of Minister Biyuram Waghe and local authorities in facilitating the process. The Seijosa border pillar is seen as a model for the upcoming demarcation stages, fostering collaboration between the two states and fostering lasting peace, development, and trust among border residents.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inked an agreement in April 2023 in New Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to settle the inter-state border discord. Union Home Minister Shah noted the government’s efforts, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in signing various agreements since 2018, including those addressing the Reang refugee situation in Tripura and initiatives to curb violence in the Northeast region. Discussions are ongoing with Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Mizoram to resolve Assam’s other inter-state border disputes.
