Lal Thanhawla said that the boundary issue is to be settled by the two States of Assam and Mizoram and the Central Government. He, however, added that as it will take a long time in settling the problem, it is best to negotiate and solve all the problems through discussions around the table.
Regarding the erection of boundary pillar at Mizo paddy fields and demolishing the same is but a cowardice act, the Chief Minister said, and mentioned his plan to discuss the boundary issue with higher authority. Regarding the entry of labourers at Vairengte without ILP, the Chief Minister said “it is the best to continue what has been carried on since long time before.” As we are all citizens of India, what we want is to live by showing respect to each other”, Lalthanhawla said.
Regarding the Hindustan Paper Mill in Cachar, Lal Thanhawla said that bamboo is a national asset, and therefore it is planned to be utilised properly, for which the Mahal system has been stopped. In order that bamboo may provide the maximum possible benefit for the Mizos, one chipping plant has been set up, he said and assured the delegation that he will decide on how to provide such chipped bamboo to meet the requirement of the Paper Mill.
Lal Thanhawla also agreed to consider the proposal to set up a Grievance Cell in order to bring immediate solution to any problem between the two States.
Last month, tension had cropped up in the Mizoram-Assam border following the distmantling of a border pillar near Vairengte and Dhalai.
Constituted by the Government of Mizoram as an initiative on the boundary dispute issue with Assam, Mizoram State Boundary Committee (MSBC) had submitted its finding to the State Government.
Assam and Mizoram share a common border of 123 kilometres. MPC had proposed that the problem on the boundary dispute could be solved by constituting a boundary commission and by way of negotiation.