Arunachal, Assam to maintain status quo on border issue

Itanagar, Nov 25: Arunachal Pradesh and Assam have decided to maintain status quo on each side of the inter-state boundary till a logical conclusion was arrived at the decades-old border dispute between the two neighbouring states.

After the reported recent encroachment of Arunachal"s land by Assam forest officials along the inter-state boundary at Taraso circle under Papum Pare district, the district administrations of Papum Pare and Sonitpur of neighbouring Assam yesterday agreed not to encroach land by either of the states, official sources said today.

Both the states agreed that there should be no further encroachment on both sides of border and on recurrence of such events, action shall be initiated against the wrongdoers of each side by the respective district administration.

It was also decided to maintain peace and harmony along the border areas till the Apex Court pronounced judgment on the boundary matter after receipt of reports from the Local Boundary Commission constituted in recent times.

Representatives from both the states also decided to constitute a joint inspection team comprising officials from civil administration, police and forest department of border districts and to conducted inspection once in every two months.

It was also decided that in the event of future eviction drive on either side of the border, the respective deputy commissioners would be intimated prior to such eviction drive.

PTI