It’s not new that interstate border rows between Assam-Meghalaya, Assam-Nagaland and Assam Arunachal Pradesh have made it to the headlines and casualties were also recorded in past. While Assam has been having somehow bitter border issues with all its neighbouring states, the Assam-Mizoram border which relatively remained peaceful is now also following the suit.

The recent flare-up between the two states though initially did not attract much attention, finally reached Delhi when the tension erupted a couple of days back with miscreants from the Mizoram side allegedly torched several houses and temporary shops at Lailapur in Cachar district along NH 306.

Subsequently, people from the Assam side have also allegedly blocked supplies to the Mizoram side.

Amidst claims and counterclaims from both sides about who instigated the dashes, New Delhi including the PM was also roped in and usual peace parleys were held. It’s hoped that peace will be restored.

Both governments have reportedly advocated the status quo. Till a formal resolution emerges, both the parties must maintain peaceful co-existence.

The irony is that sadly, successive governments in the state have failed to treat the border issues in seriousness. In addition remoteness of these areas and lack of security blankets in these areas have been also adding to the woes.

Though maintaining the state’s territorial integrity and safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens living there is a constitutional obligation of the government, it continues to be a distant dream.