Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced in the Assembly that the state has achieved an overall net territorial gain along its interstate boundary with Assam, following the Namsai Declaration and the boundary settlement process. This agreement, signed on July 15, 2022, by the Chief Ministers of both states, aimed to resolve a longstanding boundary dispute. Initially addressing conflicts involving 123 villages, it was narrowed down to 86 villages after negotiations and joint verification exercises.
Khandu emphasized that the Arunachal Pradesh government did not concede any land or forests to Assam, highlighting that the settlement was reached through structured dialogue, joint verification by committees from both states, and mutual agreement under the Namsai Declaration. In response to a query from BJP MLA Wanglin Lowangdong, he mentioned that the surveying and demarcating of the interstate boundary is now underway in a phased approach.
Boundary pillars are being erected, with Pakke-Kessang district chosen as the first site for installation. The demarcation process began on February 9, 2023, and the first pillar was successfully erected on February 27, 2023. Khandu provided an update on the resolution of issues in the Tirap sector under the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh MoU signed on April 20, 2023.
The remaining districts—Kamle, Papum Pare, Lower Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, and Longding—will see their disputes addressed by regional committees formed by both states. These committees are conducting joint field verifications and inspections to evaluate competing claims based on historical documents, administrative control, traditional usage, and current ground realities. Khandu reiterated the Arunachal Pradesh government’s commitment to protecting its territorial and traditional claims through constitutional and lawful channels.
