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A file image of Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora. (Photo: @ATULBORA2/x)

Guwahati, May 16:  Following his recent appointment to oversee the Border Protection and Development Department along with other responsibilities, Minister Atul Bora convened a significant review meeting at Janata Bhawan on Saturday.

During the meeting, Bora assessed the current status of departmental operations and provided essential directives to officials, emphasizing the government's dedication to resolving border conflicts through “negotiation and mutual understanding.”

After the meeting, Bora informed the media that discussions with neighboring states are already in progress and have been met with positive cooperation.

“We are actively engaged in resolving border disputes through dialogue. The neighboring states have shown support, and we are taking steps to address these issues amicably,” Bora stated.

He underscored the importance of the Border Protection and Development Department, asserting that the government will prioritize the welfare of residents in border regions while seeking peaceful resolutions to longstanding disputes.

Bora’s comments come in light of heightened tensions along the Assam-Meghalaya border, particularly in the Lapangap area, where local protests earlier this week led to the deployment of additional police forces, including Special Force-10 commandos.

This security measure was prompted by growing discontent among villagers who claimed they faced obstacles in their agricultural activities due to harassment from individuals in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district.

The territorial dispute concerning villages near Lapangap has been ongoing for decades, with both Assam and Meghalaya asserting claims over the area. Meghalaya identifies the region as Block I and claims historical ownership, while it is currently governed by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) in Assam.

This area, along with five other disputed locations, is slated for discussion in the upcoming second phase of border negotiations between the two northeastern states.

Bora also highlighted that the implementation of the Assam Accord will be a primary focus for the BJP-led NDA government during its third term.

“The progress of the Assam Accord Implementation Department will be prioritized. The government is committed to advancing the implementation process systematically,” he remarked.

Additionally, the Minister revealed that a comprehensive 100-day action plan has been developed for the Panchayat and Rural Development Department since he took charge.

“We convened an important meeting with the Principal Secretary and departmental officials to formulate the 100-day action plan. The Panchayat and Rural Development Department is vital. As envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi, village development is essential for the overall progress of the state,” Bora stated.

Focusing on rural development, Bora mentioned that providing housing for every family, particularly those in tea garden areas, will be a significant priority.

“Our aim is to ensure that every family has a home, especially those in tea garden regions. We are also committed to advancing self-help groups,” he added.

Reassuring that funding for development initiatives will not be an issue, Bora noted that programs like VB-GRAMG, alongside MGNREGA, are creating new avenues for enhancing rural economies.

“There is ample funding for development projects. Previously it was MGNREGA, and now VB-GRAMG initiatives are also fostering rural development,” he explained.

The Minister also praised the performance of the Excise Department, stating it generated significant revenue in the last financial year and will continue to implement new strategies to enhance efficiency and revenue collection.

Reiterating the government's commitment to inclusive governance, Bora affirmed that the protection and welfare of minority communities will remain a priority.

“Safeguarding minorities is one of our government's primary responsibilities, and their welfare will continue to be a focus,” he concluded.