First border pillar erected at Seijosa along Assam-Arunachal border under Namsai Declaration, marking historic progress in resolving the 804-km inter-state dispute. Chief Ministers Pema Khandu and Himanta Biswa Sarma hail milestone towards peace and stability.
In a landmark development aimed at resolving one of Northeast India’s longest-running territorial disagreements, the first official border pillar along the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh boundary has been erected at Seijosa. The move is being hailed as a historic milestone in the implementation of the 2022 Namsai Declaration and a concrete step toward ending decades of uncertainty along the 804-kilometer inter-state border.
The installation took place in Seijosa under Pakke Kessang district of Arunachal Pradesh and was closely supervised by senior officials from both states to ensure accuracy, transparency, and mutual consent on the ground. Present during the event were Pakke Kessang Deputy Commissioner Beni Lego and Biswanath Deputy Commissioner Munindra Nath Ngatey, along with senior police officers, community leaders, and village heads from both sides.
The border demarcation follows the framework laid out in the Namsai Declaration signed in July 2022, which established regional committees and mechanisms to resolve disputed areas through dialogue and cooperation. The declaration marked a shift from confrontation to consensus, laying the groundwork for systematic demarcation.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the development as a “historic milestone” in the boundary resolution process. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, he said the installation reflects the spirit of cooperation envisioned under the Namsai Declaration.
According to Khandu, the successful erection of the pillar signals a transition from decades of ambiguity to clarity and stability for communities residing along the border. He emphasized that the initiative was carried out by a joint team of officials from both states, ensuring technical precision and mutual agreement at every stage.
Khandu credited the sustained dialogue between administrations and the proactive leadership of regional committees for making the breakthrough possible. He also acknowledged the contributions of Minister Biyuram Waghe, who chairs the Regional Committee for Pakke Kessang, and the coordinated efforts of district authorities and local representatives.
The Seijosa pillar is expected to serve as a blueprint for further demarcation along the remaining stretches of the border. Officials believe that clearly defined boundaries will not only prevent administrative confusion but also foster trust, development, and peaceful coexistence among border communities.
The broader resolution process gained momentum in April 2023 when Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Arunachal counterpart Pema Khandu signed a formal agreement in New Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The agreement aimed to settle multiple disputed sectors through phased implementation and administrative coordination.
Speaking earlier on inter-state conflict resolution, Amit Shah noted that since 2018, the Union government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritized peace accords in the Northeast. These include agreements to rehabilitate displaced communities and initiatives to reduce insurgency-related violence.
The Assam–Arunachal boundary dispute dates back decades, rooted in differing interpretations of colonial-era demarcations and administrative notifications. Over the years, tensions occasionally flared, affecting local populations and administrative functioning.
The erection of the first pillar is seen as a confidence-building measure and a tangible symbol of political will on both sides. Analysts suggest that successful demarcation could enhance regional stability and accelerate infrastructure development, trade, and connectivity projects in border areas.
It is worth noting that Assam also faces inter-state boundary disputes with Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Mizoram. Separate negotiations and joint committees are currently working to address those concerns through dialogue-driven solutions.
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As the Seijosa pillar stands as a symbol of cooperation, both governments have reaffirmed their commitment to complete the demarcation process in a time-bound and transparent manner. For residents living along the once-contested stretch, the pillar represents not just a boundary marker but a promise of lasting peace, administrative clarity, and shared development in Northeast India.
