Guwahati: Assam and Nagaland have finalized a memorandum of understanding to address long-standing boundary disputes, unlocking the potential for hydrocarbon exploration along their shared border. The agreement, signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeks to resolve administrative overlaps that have stalled development efforts for years.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the development on social media, noting that the border issue had been a significant obstacle to resource utilization. The disputed territories, categorized into five zones labeled A through E, have previously faced complex administrative challenges under the overlapping jurisdiction of both states.
Under the terms of the new agreement, both states will cooperate to extract natural resources and share the resulting proceeds, including royalty benefits. Sarma emphasized that the move is essential for national energy security, especially as India faces rising costs and supply challenges in the global market. He stated, "The signing of the agreement in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah has removed the bottleneck affecting resource development."
Officials intend to resolve any future implementation hurdles through direct dialogue. Both governments aim to prioritize the interests of local populations, ensuring that the development of these resources translates into tangible benefits for the people residing in the border region.
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