Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 12 said the state government remained committed to resolving the long-standing boundary dispute with Arunachal Pradesh through dialogue and institutional mechanisms, stressing that Assam did not want confrontation with its neighbouring state.
Speaking on the interstate boundary issue, Sarma said the Assam Cabinet had approved the reconstitution of the committee responsible for pursuing a settlement with Arunachal Pradesh.
“We do not want conflict; we want a solution,” Sarma said, reiterating the government’s preference for a peaceful and practical resolution.
According to the Chief Minister, the boundary issue had already been settled in respect of most of the villages covered by the discussions between the two states. He expressed confidence that the remaining areas of disagreement would also be resolved at the earliest.
“I do not know what information has been given in the Legislative Assembly,” Sarma said, while maintaining that he expected the outstanding issues with Arunachal Pradesh to be addressed soon.
Referring to the recent firing incident in Dhemaji, Sarma said the authorities concerned had assured the Assam government that those responsible would face legal action. He noted that the location of the confrontation fell within a disputed stretch of the interstate boundary.
The Chief Minister also appealed for social harmony among communities living along the Assam-Arunachal border. Referring to the Mising and Adi communities, he said the two groups shared a fraternal relationship and should not allow boundary-related disagreements to affect their ties.
On reports concerning mining activities, Sarma said there was no system of coal or stone mining at Bihubar and Santak. He said the situation was different in Nagaland, where mining activities were reportedly taking place, and argued that Assam could not take unilateral action in matters involving interstate jurisdiction.
“We have no option except to approach the Supreme Court,” he said, referring to circumstances in which judicial intervention might be necessary to resolve disputes concerning mining and jurisdiction.
Sarma also cautioned against drawing premature conclusions on scientific and technical matters. He said some people in Assam were reaching conclusions without waiting for expert institutions such as the IITs to examine complex issues.
Amid discussions over the causes and circumstances of the floods in Assam, the Chief Minister said the government was prepared to order an investigation if there was a demand for one.
“If anyone wants an investigation into the floods, we will provide one,” he said.
Sarma’s remarks came amid continued efforts to resolve Assam’s boundary disputes with neighbouring states. The state government has maintained that dialogue, legal mechanisms and institutional processes should be used to settle outstanding interstate issues and prevent them from escalating into confrontation.
