Guwahati/Itanagar : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday described the erection of the first border pillar along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary as a “historic milestone”, marking a significant breakthrough in the decades-old inter-state boundary dispute.

The inaugural pillar was installed at Seijosa in Arunachal Pradesh’s Pakke Kesang district, signalling the start of physical demarcation under the framework of the Namsai Declaration signed between the two neighbouring states.

Calling the development “truly momentous”, Sarma said the move brings clarity to areas that had long faced uncertainty and lays the foundation for a structured and mutually agreed demarcation process along the 804.1-km boundary shared by Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Namsai Declaration was signed on July 15, 2022, by Sarma and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu to resolve disputes in 123 villages located along the inter-state boundary. The understanding was subsequently formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in New Delhi on April 20, 2023, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Sarma said that under Shah’s guidance, the Northeast – often referred to as the Ashtalakshmi region – is progressing with a unified vision to resolve legacy disputes and strengthen regional cooperation. He reiterated his government’s commitment to resolving the remaining differences and thanked Khandu for his cooperation in advancing the demarcation exercise.

According to officials, of the 123 villages identified as disputed, differences in 71 villages have already been resolved. Discussions are ongoing over the remaining 52 villages, with both state governments engaged in dialogue to reach a mutually acceptable settlement.

Khandu termed the erection of the Seijosa pillar a blueprint for future demarcation work and said the process would deepen cooperation between the two states. He expressed confidence that the ongoing efforts would foster lasting harmony, stability and development in border areas, while strengthening trust among communities residing along the boundary.

Officials said further installation of pillars will proceed in phases as part of the agreed roadmap to settle one of the Northeast’s long-pending territorial issues.