ITANAGAR, 27 Jul: Dollungmukh-based Citizens Right Protection Forum (CRPF) has appealed to the state government for a permanent settlement of the interstate boundary dispute in Dollungmukh area in Kamle district for peace, development and good governance.
In a memorandum, CRPF chairman Ajay Murtem urged the chief minister to accord top priority to the longstanding boundary issue in Dollungmukh and settle it amicably, based on mutual understanding, historical records, administrative convenience, and the welfare of the people.
Murtem said that, while governments of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam have taken commendable initiatives through the Namsai Declaration to resolve the interstate boundary disputes, the Dollungmukh sector remains one of the unresolved areas where local residents frequently face uncertainty regarding administrative jurisdiction, developmental activities, law and order, land ownership, forest administration,and access to government welfare schemes.
He urged the chief minister to direct the Regional Boundary Settlement Committee to conduct an early joint field inspection and complete the remaining verification process.
Murtem said the unsettled boundary issue has hampered socioeconomic development in the region and caused hardship to the local population.
“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.
Murtem also stressed the need for consultations with village elders, traditional institutions, elected representatives and all stakeholders before finalising the boundary, and stated that the final settlement should safeguard the constitutional, customary and land rights of the people. He said that peace and status quo should be maintained in the disputed areas until the final boundary is officially notified.
He also emphasised the need for better coordination between the Kamle and Assam’s North Lakhimpur district administrations for effective maintenance of law and order, developmental works and public welfare. Murtem also urged expediting the signing and implementation of the final agreement for the Dollungmukh sector, and issuance of necessary government notifications at the earliest.
He said that the people of both Arunachal and Assam desire permanent peace, mutual cooperation and sustainable development. Murtem said that an early resolution of the boundary issue would strengthen interstate harmony, improve governance, facilitate infrastructure development, and promote long-term prosperity for the region.
