Tripura and Mizoram Engage in Talks to Resolve Long-standing Border Dispute

Gangtok, India Jul 13, 2026 ALN: Senior officials of Tripura and Mizoram will soon hold talks to discuss the long-pending inter-state border dispute along the 109-km boundary shared by the two northeastern states, officials said here on Sunday.

A senior official stated that Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has taken the initiative to revive the dialogue with Mizoram to resolve the long-standing border issue through mutual discussions. This initiative comes in the wake of ongoing tensions and conflicts over the disputed areas, which have historically been a source of friction between the two states.

Addressing an official function here on Saturday, CM Saha mentioned that he had discussed the inter-state border dispute with Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma during the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) held in Shillong. The NEC serves as a platform for the northeastern states to discuss regional issues and foster cooperation among them.

“When I proposed to the Mizoram Chief Minister that we should hold talks to resolve the inter-state border dispute, he immediately agreed,” CM Saha said. This positive response indicates a willingness from both sides to engage in dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution to the longstanding issues that have plagued the border region.

“I suggested that before a Chief Minister-level meeting, senior officials of both states should first sit together and discuss the issue in detail. Thereafter, we can meet and take the matter forward. The Mizoram Chief Minister readily agreed to my proposal,” he added. This approach signifies a methodical and collaborative effort to address the concerns that have led to past conflicts.

The 73rd NEC plenary session was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of State for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar, and the Governors and Chief Ministers of all eight northeastern states. The presence of high-ranking officials underscores the importance of the border dispute not only for the states involved but also for the central government, which has a vested interest in maintaining peace and stability in the northeastern region.

Tripura is surrounded by Bangladesh on its southern, western, and northern sides. The state shares an 856-km international border with Bangladesh, accounting for nearly 84 percent of its total boundary. Additionally, it has a 53-km inter-state border with Assam and a 109-km border with Mizoram. The geographical location of Tripura, being flanked by international borders and neighboring states, complicates the border dispute, as it involves multiple stakeholders and historical grievances.

The border dispute between Tripura and Mizoram has remained unresolved for several years. Tensions often surface whenever either state undertakes development or construction work in areas claimed by both sides, leading to objections from the other state. This has resulted in a cycle of accusations and counter-accusations, further entrenching the divisions between the two states.

In one such incident, unidentified miscreants in May last year hurled moderate-intensity explosives at an under-construction tourism building at Phuldungsei village along the Tripura-Mizoram border in North Tripura district, causing substantial damage to the structure. This act of violence highlights the volatility of the situation and the potential for escalation if not carefully managed.

Following the blast, police officials from both Tripura and Mizoram visited the mountainous border village to assess the situation and maintain peace. The prompt response from law enforcement agencies reflects the urgency of addressing the conflict and the need for collaboration to prevent further incidents. Soon after the incident, Tripura Tourism and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury held a meeting with senior district officials at Jampui in North Tripura district and decided to reconstruct the damaged eco-tourism infrastructure. This decision indicates a commitment to developing the region despite the ongoing disputes, emphasizing the importance of economic development as a means of fostering peace.

Residents living on both sides of the inter-state border have long maintained that Phuldungsei village falls within the territorial claims of both Tripura and Mizoram, making it one of the disputed stretches between the two states. The complexity of the claims is rooted in historical land ownership, migration patterns, and administrative boundaries established during and after colonial rule. A Tripura Tourism Department official had earlier stated that the damaged buildings were being constructed on forest land at Phuldungsei village for Rs 3.12 crore to promote tourism in the region. The project is being implemented under the Centre’s flagship Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Union Tourism Ministry, which aims to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country.

Following the explosion in May last year, both Tripura and Mizoram deployed additional security personnel in the area, while authorities of the two states closely monitored the situation to prevent any further escalation. The deployment of additional security forces underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential for conflict if tensions are not defused. The presence of security personnel can act as a deterrent but may also exacerbate feelings of mistrust among the local populations.

The Tripura government subsequently took up the matter with the Mizoram government through official channels. This communication is crucial for facilitating dialogue and ensuring that both parties are aware of each other's concerns and positions. Over the years, the district administrations of North Tripura district and Mizoram’s Mamit district, along with officials of the Survey of India, have held several rounds of discussions to resolve the disputed patches along the inter-state boundary. These discussions have been aimed at demarcating the boundaries more clearly and addressing the specific areas of contention.

Mizoram-based civil society groups and student organisations have, on several occasions, opposed construction activities undertaken by the Tripura government in areas they describe as “disputed inter-state border” stretches. These groups often advocate for the rights of local communities and seek to ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making process. Their opposition reflects the deep-seated sentiments and historical grievances that continue to influence perceptions of territorial integrity and state identity in the region.

The upcoming talks between Tripura and Mizoram officials represent a critical opportunity to address these long-standing issues through dialogue and negotiation. The willingness of both state governments to engage in discussions is a positive step towards finding a peaceful resolution to the border dispute. Successful negotiations could pave the way for improved relations between the two states, fostering cooperation in various sectors such as trade, tourism, and infrastructure development, which are crucial for the socio-economic growth of the region.

In conclusion, the border dispute between Tripura and Mizoram is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by northeastern India, where historical grievances, demographic changes, and administrative boundaries intersect. The outcome of the upcoming talks will be closely monitored by stakeholders in both states and may serve as a precedent for resolving similar disputes in the region. As the dialogue progresses, it will be essential for both sides to remain committed to finding a mutually acceptable solution that prioritizes peace and development over conflict.