Agartala, September 11: A proposed political dialogue between Tripura and Mizoram over their long-standing border dispute has moved a step closer, with senior officials from the two states holding preliminary consultations ahead of a possible meeting between Chief Ministers Prof. Dr. Manik Saha and Lalduhoma.
Saha said the latest development followed his recent telephonic conversation with the Mizoram Chief Minister, during which he suggested that both states should directly engage with each other to find a mutually acceptable solution to the boundary dispute.
Lalduhoma, according to Saha, agreed to the proposal and expressed his willingness to travel to Agartala for discussions. The two sides, however, decided that officials should first examine the issues involved before the Chief Ministers meet.
The Tripura Chief Minister said he was informed that Mizoram officials had visited and held discussions with their Tripura counterparts.
“I was informed yesterday that Mizoram officials had come and discussions were held. I have only been told that talks took place,” Saha said while speaking to reporters.
He said a detailed report on the meeting had not yet reached him. Consequently, the Chief Minister refrained from commenting on the specific issues discussed or whether any concrete understanding had emerged from the preliminary talks.
Saha said he would assess the progress after receiving the officials’ report. He nevertheless underlined his belief that dialogue was the most effective means of resolving the dispute.
“There will definitely be a resolution,” he said, signalling confidence in the process initiated between the two states.
The Tripura-Mizoram border dispute has persisted for several years, with differences over boundary demarcation and administrative jurisdiction periodically affecting people living in border areas. The issue has required sustained engagement between the two administrations to prevent local disagreements from escalating.
The latest consultations are being viewed as preparatory groundwork for a possible Chief Minister-level engagement. By first allowing officials to examine the contentious issues, both governments are expected to identify areas where consensus may be possible and issues that would require political intervention.
The initiative could also strengthen coordination between Tripura and Mizoram on matters concerning border communities and administration. For residents living along disputed stretches, a sustained dialogue between the neighbouring states could help reduce uncertainty and prevent recurring tensions.
With the initial round of consultations now underway, attention is likely to shift to the officials’ report and the next course of action. The outcome could determine the timing and scope of the proposed meeting between Saha and Lalduhoma.
The Tripura government has maintained that a negotiated approach remains the preferred route, while the latest engagement provides an opportunity for both states to work towards a durable and mutually acceptable settlement.
