Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced in the Assembly that post the Namsai Declaration, the state has achieved a net territorial gain at its interstate boundary with Assam. The settlement, finalized for eight districts, marks a significant advancement in the long-standing boundary dispute with Assam, originally addressing disagreements over 123 villages and eventually narrowing to 86 through negotiations. Khandu emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh has not surrendered any land or resources to Assam, as the settlement involved structured discussions and mutual agreements. The phased process of surveying and demarcating the boundary has commenced, beginning with the Pakke-Kessang district where boundary pillars are being erected. The first of these pillars was installed on February 27, 2023. Additionally, issues surrounding the Tirap sector were resolved under the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh MoU signed on April 20, 2023, with further discussions planned for remaining districts through regional committees. These committees will conduct joint inspections to settle claims based on various documented and traditional factors, reaffirming Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to upholding its territorial rights through constitutional means.
