Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan visits Assam, reviews state government’s drives against drugs, child marriage

Guwahati: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan visited Assam and held a meeting with senior officials of Assam, Police presented updates on the tremendous success on the State government’s drives against drugs, child marriage, radicalization, rhino poaching, and corruption.Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in X, “to assess the law-and-order situation of the State. Shri Mohan had an in-depth review on the implementation status of various boundary and peace agreements in the State and the successes of Assam Police over the years in Counter insurgency and peace & community policing efforts. It is notable to mention that 15 clauses of the Karbi Accord, 6 clauses of the ULFA Accord, 6 clauses of the DNLA Accord have already been implemented and the rest are being implemented by all parties concerned. The surrendered militants of various groups have been rehabilitated as per policies of Govt of India and Govt of Assam and are being empowered to create their own livelihoods as they start their journey in mainstream society. “

Sarma added, “during the visit several other issues were also discussed, such as improved Law and Order Assam Police presented updates on the tremendous success on the State Govt’s drives against drugs, child marriage, radicalization, rhino poaching, and corruption. Implementation of Boundary Agreements Following a comprehensive review it was decided that the implementation of boundary agreements with Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh will be fast tracked. Flood and Wetland Management there was detailed deliberation on NESAC-identified wetlands for flood diversion and review of Phase 1 wetland projects and upcoming projects worth Rs 500 crore. Engagement with the Autonomous Councils Minister”.

Union Home Secretary, Government of India reviewed the progress of border agreements signed between Assam-Meghalaya and between Assam-Arunachal.

After detailed discussion it has been decided that both the state governments will extend their co-operation so that entire survey works of 6 areas of difference on Assam-Meghalaya Border-Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Baklapara, Khanapara-Pillangkata and Ratacherra – and 38 agreed villages of Assam-Arunachal Border are completed in next 6 months.

It was also emphasized that the Regional Committees of Assam-Arunachal Pradesh sides should be activated urgently to complete the task of finalization of boundaries of 49 villages within an extended period of 6 months i.e. by 19.4.2025 positively. It was also suggested that Assam and Meghalaya both should move forward towards reducing the differences in respect of remaining six areas of difference for which Regional Committees have already been constituted from both sides.Union Home Secretary expressed satisfaction that both states have already reached conclusive resolution of Hahim area of difference and directed that all efforts be made to complete the works of erection of Boundary Pillars at Hahim area by end of December, 2024.

Similarly, the Union Home Secretary suggested the completion of the erection of pillars in Kamengabari and Bhalukpung areas of Assam-Arunachal Border where pilot survey has been completed.

The review meeting was attended by Ravi Kota Chief Secretary, Assam, D P Wahlang, Chief Secretary Meghalaya, Manish Gupta Chief Secretary Arunachal Pradesh, G P Singh, DGP Assam accompanied with other senior officers from Government of India, and Governments of Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.