Agartala, September 11:
The first official-level meeting between Tripura and Mizoram to work towards resolving their long-pending inter-state border dispute was held at the State Guest House here on Thursday, with the two sides discussing the border-related claims, records and disputed areas.
The meeting assumes significance as the two states seek to move the issue forward through administrative-level consultations before any final decision is taken at the chief ministerial level.
Tripura was represented by Home Secretary Abhishek Singh, Director General of Police G S Rao and Revenue Secretary Milind Ramteke beside North Tripura district Superintendent of Police Avinash Rai. The Mizoram delegation included Home Secretary Vanlalmawia, Joint Secretary P C Lalduhthlanga, Home Department official C Lalphakmawia and Dr Joseph K Lalfakzuala, besides experts associated with border research and land surveying.
Officials did not disclose details of the discussions after the meeting.
However, administrative sources said there is an initiative to constitute a tripartite committee comprising representatives of the concerned ministry of the Government of India and the governments of Tripura and Mizoram. The proposed committee may undertake field visits to the disputed areas and examine the ground situation, including the location of the inter-state boundary, land records and claims of both states.
Following verification of the records and field assessment, another round of discussions between senior officials of the two states is expected. The matter could subsequently move to the chief ministerial level for a final resolution.
The latest push for resolving the dispute followed a meeting between Tripura Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha and Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on the sidelines of the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council in Shillong last month.
Saha had proposed that senior officials of both states first examine the relevant border records, claims and disputed areas before the issue was taken up for a final decision by the chief ministers. Lalduhoma agreed to the proposal, paving the way for the administrative-level talks.
Tripura shares a 109-km inter-state boundary with Mizoram. Disputes over land ownership, administrative jurisdiction and development activities have persisted along several stretches of the border for years.
Phuldungsei in North Tripura is among the key disputed areas claimed by both states. In May last year, an explosion damaged an under-construction eco-tourism project in the area being developed under the Centre’s Swadesh Darshan scheme at an estimated cost of Rs 3.12 crore. Work on the project has remained stalled since then.
The North Tripura and Mamit district administrations, along with the Survey of India, had subsequently taken steps to identify disputed stretches, but a permanent settlement has remained elusive.
The Thursday’s meeting marks a renewed administrative effort focused on documentary verification, field assessment and coordination between the two states, with the proposed tripartite committee’s formation and its field visits now being closely watched.
