SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, announced on Thursday that discussions with the Assam government regarding the second phase of the interstate boundary settlement are expected to commence shortly.
This development follows the recent installation of a new government in Assam, which assumed office just two days ago.
Speaking to mediapersons in Shillong, Sangma stated that he intends to initiate dialogue with the Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, to advance the long-pending resolution process.
He noted that while the Assam government requires a few more days to settle in following their swearing-in ceremony, he will soon engage with his counterpart to determine the subsequent steps.
Meghalaya and Assam are preparing to deliberate on the remaining six areas of difference that persist after the successful conclusion of the first phase of border talks in 2022.
Given the change in administration in Assam, there is a possibility that the chairpersons of the Regional Committees from the Assam side may be reconstituted before the full-scale negotiations resume.
It is worth noting that in March 2022, a historic Memorandum of Understanding was signed to resolve a five-decade-old boundary dispute.
This agreement addressed six out of the twelve contested areas and was signed by Conrad K. Sangma and Himanta Biswa Sarma in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The areas resolved during that initial phase included Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilangkata, and Ratacherra.
The upcoming second phase of negotiations will focus on the remaining six sectors: Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Deshdoomreah, Block I and Block II, and Psiar-Khanduli. These locations have frequently witnessed tension and misunderstandings regarding territorial jurisdiction over the years.
