Assam and Arunachal Advance Border Settlement Process
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are making significant progress in resolving long-standing boundary disputes concerning 123 inter-state villages. Following the Namsai Declaration of July 15, 2022, and a formal Memorandum of Understanding signed on April 20, 2023, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the states have streamlined the verification process through twelve joint regional committees as detailed by the Border Protection and Development Department of Assam.
District Level Focus and Deadlines
At a meeting held on October 14, 2026, officials focused on regions spanning Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu noted that 31 out of 32 disputed areas in Papum Pare have been settled, with a two-month deadline set for final resolution across the remaining zones.
Demarcation Strategy for Disputed Villages
The demarcation strategy categorizes the villages into three groups. There are nine Category-I villages where pillars will be installed immediately, 22 Category-II villages requiring district-level administrative action, and two Category-III villages involving complex disagreements. A roadmap for the Category-III villages is expected to be finalized in a meeting scheduled for late December 2026.
Measures for Peace and Transparency
Both governments have committed to maintaining the status quo, halting new encroachments or tree felling, and withdrawing FIRs filed against officials from either state. The Survey of India is scheduled to initiate formal boundary demarcation within two months, while village headmen and Panchayat members continue to participate to ensure transparency in the verification process.