India-Bhutan Borderland

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the dynamics of open border system between Bhutan and the Indian States of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. It would also focus largely on the kind of close border relations that exists between borderland communities. The borderland communities of Arunachal Pradesh include Buri, Bletting, Dangmarin, Lumsang, Mukto, Bomdila, Dirang, Tenga, Kalaktang. Tawang is main market for Eastern Bhutan and the main trade routes from Eastern Bhutan to Tawang are Bletting, Dangmarang, Manam and Lumla. The Sharchops of Eastern Bhutan and the Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh share a very cordial relation because of their socio-cultural affinities. The Sharchops speak Dzongkha and these communities are found in the districts of Eastern Bhutan, whereas Monpas reside in the Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh and their language is known as Monpa. The language of Sengayzong, a village in Sela Pass in Bomdila district of Arunachal Pradesh is identical to the language of Merak Sakteng village in Eastern Bhutan.