From gaining independence to being a worldwide example of unity in diversity, India faced several challenges like merger of princely states, curbing secessionist sentiments, establishing democratic institutions and most importantly reorganising states on amicable parameters. 

Through the State Reorganisation Act, 1956, demarcation of boundaries was done on the grounds of language, administrative convenience and other factors. As more regions were granted statehood, a number of border disputes emerged that remain unresolved to this day. These conflicts can sometimes pose a challenge to unity and harmony within the nation.

Current Status of Inter-State Border Disputes in India

According to Ministry of Home Affairs, following are the border disputes prevalent in various states in India: 

Maharashtra-Karnataka: 

It is one of the biggest border disputes in the country with both states fighting over the region of Belgaum. The State Reorganisation Act, 1956 shifted the area of Belgaum (Belagavi) under Karnataka although it formed part of the Bombay Presidency  during the time of the British. Belgaum has a sizable population of both Marathi and Kannada speaking people and both states have claimed the region. Mahajan commission was appointed in 1966 to look into the matter and it suggested that 264 villages should be transferred to Maharashtra and Belagavi and 247 villages to Karnataka. However, Maharashtra rejected the report and the issue remains pending before the Supreme Court. Recently, both states saw various clashes related to the dispute which were pacified after meeting with the Union home minister who agreed to form a six member committee to look into the matter. .

Assam-Nagaland: 

The longest running border dispute in the north east is between Assam and Nagaland. The border dispute started soon after Nagaland attained statehood in 1963. Nagaland has refused to accept the notified boundary and demanded that Nagaland state should comprise the erstwhile Naga Hills and all Naga-dominated areas in North Cachar and Nowgong (Nagaon) districts. Territorial claims of Nagaland in Assam include parts of Golaghat district (especially Merapani region), Jorhat district and Sibsagar district in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB). Various efforts have been made towards resolving this dispute for example Sundaram commission was set up which recommended a border between Nagaland and Assam but its report was rejected by Nagaland. Efforts by the Supreme Court to mediate and settle these disputes have not been successful. The dispute between the two states is ongoing with frequent violent clashes along the border becoming a regular feature.

Assam-Meghalaya: 

Given that most northeastern states were originally part of Assam prior to its reorganization, Assam is involved in border disputes with nearly all these states. Meghalaya was established as an autonomous state in 1972 and attained full statehood in the same year. Up until now, Meghalaya and Assam have disputed over 12 areas, but in 2022 they entered into a significant agreement that resolved the disputes concerning six areas. 

Assam-Arunachal Pradesh: 

Arunachal Pradesh shares an 804 km border with Assam. After Arunachal Pradesh got statehood in 1987, the government argued that many forested tracts and plain areas which were transferred to Assam traditionally belonged to tribes in the region. The regions of Darrang, Dhemaji and Jonoi districts were transferred to Assam on the recommendations of the Bordoloi committee. The matter is pending in the Supreme Court. In April 2022 both states formed district level committees to solve border disputes. Further the two states have signed the Namsai declaration to bring down the number of disputed villages between the states. 

Assam-Mizoram: 

The border dispute between Assam and Mizoram is legacy of British era notification of 1875 and 1933 which differentiated Lushai hills from plains of Cachar. While Mizoram acknowledged the 1875 notification, Assam demands demarcation based on the 1933 notification. The border between Mizoram and Assam runs through the districts of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj. Significant clashes along this border occurred in 2006, 2018, 2020, and most recently in 2021.

Himachal Pradesh-Ladakh:  

Both Himachal Pradesh and UT of Ladakh claim Sarchu, an area between Leh and Manali.

Haryana-Himachal Pradesh: 

The Parwanoo region is the major point of dispute between both states.

Root Causes of Inter-State Border Disputes in India

• Colonial divisions: As is evident in the north east, continued use of British records and notifications for demarcating the boundaries has resulted in disputes. The British established borders solely for administrative convenience, without considering local needs or demands. 
• Parameters of re organisation: The roots of several border disputes can be traced back to the state reorganization of the 1950s, which was largely driven by linguistic factors. An example is the dispute between Karnataka and Kerala regarding Kasargod, where a Kannada-speaking population resides. State identity was linked with language so if a region spoke majority language of Maharashtra (example belgaum) was clubbed with Karnataka it opened the possibility of future conflict. Moreover, most boundary demarcations were based on colonial maps that did not take into account village boundaries or socio-cultural nuances. 
• Competition for resources: Competition for limited resources, especially in regions with challenging geography and terrain, often leads to disputes as states seek to maximize their gains. For instance, Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Ladakh are at odds over Sarchu, which has significant tourism potential. 
• Regionalism: Regionalism based on ethnicity, language etc. is a driving force for such disputes. Eg., Nagaland asserts its claim over all Naga-dominated areas in North Cachar
• Opportunist behaviour of political parties: There are allegations that some border disputes have underlying political motivations, surfacing particularly during election periods. Rather than working towards resolution, political parties may exploit these disputes as a means to rally public support and grow their voter base. This opportunistic behavior has contributed to the ongoing nature of the issues instead of facilitating their resolution.
• Geographical factors: Geographical aspects can also influence border disputes, as accurately defining boundaries can be complicated by shifting rivers, hills, and other natural features. For example, conflicts between Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have arisen due to the changing course of the Ganga River.
• Lack of proactive role of union government: Union government at many instances has cleared its stance that states themselves have to engage in dialogues and centre can act as a neutral mediator. Many experts are questioning this approach.
• Ineffective use of constitutional and statutory mechanisms: Under article 263 Constitution provides for creation of Inter-state council to serve as platform to resolve disputes among centre and states as well as between the states. The State Reorganisation Act of 1956 established Zonal councils to promote dialogue. However, the mechanisms needed for resolution have not been adequately explored by the states involved.

Impacts of Inter-State Border Disputes in India

Border disputes inevitably lead to instability, a lack of trust, and harm the social fabric of society as a whole. Inter-state border conflicts in India lead to several repercussions:

1. Rise of secessionist tendencies: Long-standing unresolved border disputes can foster increasing sentiments of secession among communities, posing a significant risk to the nation’s unity and territorial integrity.
2. Violence clashes: Disputes over borders can escalate into violent clashes, resulting in casualties and damage to property. For instance, in 2021, five policemen lost their lives during the Assam-Mizoram conflict.
3. Lack of development in disputed regions: Disputed regions often become politically delicate and unstable, hindering economic and infrastructure growth, which adversely impacts the local populace.
4. Spillover effect: Unresolved border conflicts frequently have cascading impacts on other state issues, such as interstate water disputes and migration, potentially leading to further conflicts.
5. Loss of faith in law and order machinery: Violence and instability created by disputes make people apprehensive of functioning of law and order machinery and government.

Way forward:

• Permanent Inter-state councils:  The Sarkaria Commission proposed creating a permanent inter-state council to investigate and advise on disputes, promote better coordination among states, and resolve matters amicably.                                 
• Role of Judiciary: Article 131 of the Constitution permits states to approach the Supreme Court for the resolution of disputes. However, numerous cases remain pending before the court. Timely delivery of judgments on these matters could expedite dispute resolution.

• Role of Union government: Rather than simply serving as a neutral mediator, the union government could take an active role in fostering consensus among states, which may lead to prompt dispute resolution and enhance coordination between the center and states on various issues.
• Involvement of locals: Committees assigned to settle border disputes should comprise representatives from the local community, including traditional leaders, landowners, and student union representatives, which is crucial for effective resolution and reducing the likelihood of future issues.
• Rehabilitation policy:  Following the precise demarcation of borders, it’s essential to rehabilitate various individuals in a socio-economic and political context. All aspects should be taken into account while formulating rehabilitation arrangements for affected people.

Holistic development of a country, as diverse as India, lies in peace and stability within its constituent units. Therefore, state governments should try to solve border disputes between them meticulously and quickly to prevent friction, averse violence, ensure development and to make Indian federalism truly a cooperative federalism in letter and spirit.