Assam-Arunachal boundary pact Organizations raise objection
Changlang: The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to resolve the disputed border issue has been opposed by at least two organizations.
The Tirap, Changlang and Longding People’s Forum (TCLPF) and the Assam-Arunachal Boundary Committee have raised objections to the boundary agreement signed by the Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments in respect of Changlang and Tinsukia district of Assam.
The TCLPF termed the MoU as ‘one-sided, biased and against the interest of the Tangsa people of Arunachal living in Assam and the affected villages of Changlang district’, and threatened to file a PIL in court.
In this regard, an emergency meeting was convened at Rangringkan village on Monday, which was attended by the village leaders of Namtak, Rangringkan, Hachengkan, Yopa Kan, Phinbiro-I, Phinbiro-II, Tirap Sakan, Malu-I, Malu-II, said the forum. No. 3 Mlong Langching, Mungkam, Wara and Hunju.
“They have strongly opposed the recent MoU signed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu,” the forum said in a release.
The Survey of India (SOI) submitted a report during a previous hearing in New Delhi on 27 November 2010, detailing the location of the disputed village in the SOI maps.
The report stated that ‘the most important aspect i.e. ground survey was not done. Only a detailed ground survey can provide factual information of villages/areas”.
The forum said that the Supreme Court had appointed a former judge as the head of the local commission in 2006 who started functioning from November 26, 2006.
It added that the local commission conducted field visits in some areas of Arunachal Pradesh but did not conduct any survey in Changlang district.
“Consequently, it was indicated that there were no claimed villages for Changlang-Tonsukia district in 2007,” the release said.
“The Native Commission in its report showed the district-wise transfer of areas through the 1951 notification and the proposed boundary adjustment of areas claimed by Arunachal Pradesh. 330 sq km was transferred from Changlang district to Tinsukia without the consent of the people of Changlang. transferred to the district,” the forum said.
It states that ‘there are some Tangsa villages within the boundaries of Arunachal but their agricultural fields are located in Assam, such as Namtok area, Kongsa, Longpha, Hseng, Rangringkan, Yopakan, Hachengkan, Longtoi, Lyngok/Tirap Sakon, Phinbiro-I, Phinbiro-II, and Hanju.
“Six other villages of Arunachal – Malu Gaon-I, Malu Gaon-II, No. 3 Malong-Langching, Mungkam, Wara and Hanju – are demanding settlement in Changlang district in Assam regions. Land survey has been conducted. And the district administration has recommended the same to HPMC, Itanagar.
Specifically, serial number 15 of sub-clause 10 of the MoU reads: “No village was claimed for Changlang-Tunsukia before the Local Commission in 2007. Therefore, the HPTC limits the Changlang-Tunsukia area. I will be accepted by both states.
