The Citizens Right Protection Forum (CRPF), based in Dollungmukh in Arunachal Pradesh’s Kamle district, has appealed to the state government to expedite the permanent settlement of the long-pending interstate boundary dispute in the Dollungmukh sector, saying an early resolution is essential for peace, development and effective governance. In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, CRPF chairman Ajay Murtem urged the government to give top priority to the unresolved boundary issue and settle it amicably based on mutual understanding, historical records, administrative convenience and the welfare of the people. Murtem said that although the governments of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam have made significant progress in resolving interstate boundary disputes through the Namsai Declaration, the Dollungmukh sector remains one of the unresolved areas where residents continue to face uncertainty over administrative jurisdiction.
According to the forum, the unresolved dispute has created difficulties in implementing development projects and has affected law and order, land ownership, forest administration and access to various government welfare schemes. The CRPF urged the Chief Minister to direct the Regional Boundary Settlement Committee to conduct an early joint field inspection and complete the remaining verification process so that the issue can be resolved without further delay.Murtem said the prolonged dispute has slowed the region’s socio-economic development and caused hardship for the local population. He added that despite the uncertainty, people living in the area have maintained peaceful and cordial relations with neighbouring communities in Assam. “The people of the area have always maintained peace, harmony and cordial relations with neighbouring communities in Assam. They aspire for a final settlement based on mutual understanding, historical records, administrative convenience and the welfare of the people,” he said.
The forum also stressed the need for consultations with village elders, traditional institutions, elected representatives and other stakeholders before the final boundary is determined. It said the settlement should protect the constitutional, customary and land rights of the local people. Murtem further urged both state governments to maintain peace and the existing status quo in the disputed areas until the boundary is officially notified.The memorandum also called for stronger coordination between the administrations of Kamle district in Arunachal Pradesh and North Lakhimpur district in Assam to ensure better law and order, smoother implementation of development works and improved public welfare.
