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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 07/08/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (07-08-2025).

Mains Question (GS Paper 3 – Environment | Disaster Management | Internal Security)

Q. The Assam–Meghalaya border dispute highlights the complexities of inter-state relations in India’s federal structure. Examine the roots of such disputes and suggest a framework for durable resolution.

📘 GS Paper 2: Federalism | Inter-State Relations | Governance Challenges
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Regional Issues | Border Management in North-East

🔹 Introduction

India’s federal structure often experiences friction where state boundaries overlap with ethnic, historical, and administrative claims. The Assam–Meghalaya border dispute, affecting 12 sectors since Meghalaya’s formation in 1972, is emblematic of such tensions. Despite partial resolution, six sectors—like Langpih and Block-I—remain flashpoints, requiring a deeper constitutional and collaborative solution.

🔍 Causes of the Assam–Meghalaya Border Dispute

Cause	Description
Historical Inheritance	Meghalaya was carved out of Assam; boundaries remained ill-defined due to colonial legacy (maps of 1872 vs 1933).
Ethnic Identity Concerns	Fear of tribal identity loss among Khasi, Garo, and Karbi populations in border areas.
Dual Administration	Villages in disputed zones often receive services from both states, causing confusion.
Economic Incentives	States reluctant to cede territory due to resource control, electoral weight, and symbolic dominance.
Lack of Legal Finality	No constitutional authority has definitively adjudicated these disputes.

⚠️ Impacts on Governance and Society

Recurring Clashes: Violent episodes like the Mukroh incident (2022) deepen distrust.
Developmental Deficit: Infrastructure projects are stalled due to overlapping claims.
Social Insecurity: Residents lack clarity on law enforcement and welfare benefits.
Weakening Federalism: Erodes cooperative relations between states, especially in NE India.
Rise of Regionalism: May fuel secessionist rhetoric and communal polarization.

🛠️ Existing Resolution Attempts

2022 MoU: Assam and Meghalaya resolved 6 out of 12 disputed sectors using regional committees.
Bilateral CM-Level Talks: Regular engagement between the Chief Ministers of both states.
Community Consultations: Involvement of local village heads, traditional bodies (Dorbar).
Joint Surveys: Use of GIS, historical maps, and public hearings to demarcate boundary lines.

🧭 Way Forward: Framework for Durable Resolution

Institutional Arbitration Mechanism
- Establish a Permanent Inter-State Boundary Commission under Article 263 (Inter-State Council).
- Include constitutional experts, geographers, tribal representatives.
Constitutional Clarity
- Amend the State Reorganisation Act provisions to allow for boundary correction by consensus.
Ethno-Cultural Safeguards
- Retain tribal autonomy via Sixth Schedule or Article 371-type arrangements even after jurisdiction shifts.
Legal Finality
- Allow Supreme Court adjudication under Article 131 in unresolved cases to reduce executive ambiguity.
Development as Confidence Building
- Launch joint border development projects (schools, roads, hospitals) with shared administrative ownership.
Model for NE Region
- Replicate the Assam–Meghalaya dialogue approach in other disputes (e.g., Assam–Arunachal, Assam–Mizoram).

🧩 Conclusion

The Assam–Meghalaya border issue reflects not just a territorial disagreement, but the intersection of history, identity, and governance in India’s Northeast. Resolving such disputes demands constitutional innovation, empathy for ethnic aspirations, and a spirit of cooperative federalism. A durable solution here could set the tone for peace across all inter-state borders in the region.

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