Asom-Arunachal to go for joint inspection of disputed land

Itanagar, Aug 6 (UNI) In order to ease soaring tension at Bordumsa sub-division of Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh following 'forceful' capture of the Wagun Ghat by Asom recently, the deputy commissioners of Changlang district and Tinsukia district have decided to jointly inspect the disputed area on August 9.

The decision to this effect was taken after hectic parleys between officials of both the state, official sources said here today.

The Jagun Anchalik Panchayat had unilaterally introduced mar boat service at Wagun Ferry Ghat on July 2 last. The Wagun Ferry Ghat on Buri Dehing River is under Bordumsa sub-division of Changlang district, and was under the management and control of Khagam block till 1993, which was subsequently brought under the control of Bordumsa Anchal samity.

The district administration has been earning a sizeable amount of revenue through concerned Anchal Samity since its inception.

Changlang DC T Talak has requested his Asom counterpart to maintain status-quo as promised by the Chief Ministers of both the states in their meeting held in the year 1979 and 1991 and asserted for immediate suspension of Jagun Anchalik Panchayat introduced Mar boat Service for the interest of both the states.

He observed that technically the present issue is not an inter-state boundary dispute but the prevailing situation may lead to such problems resulting in serious law and order problem in the area. Mr Talak stressed the need for peaceful settlement of the issue and also called for maintaining the age-old cultural and friendly relationship.

Meanwhile, the panchayat bodies of Changlang district, in a memorandum have appealed to the Deputy Commissioner to initiate appropriate action to restore the Wagun ferry service for the greater interest of the public.

UNI UPB SP SS1040