Assam-Meghalaya Border Talks: Regional Committees Ordered to Visit Disputed Areas

Guwahati: The second round of border discussions between the chief ministers of Assam and Meghalaya was held in order to resolve the final six “areas of differences” between the two states.

The Chief Ministerial-level discussions took place on Wednesday at Guwahati’s Koinadhora.

A major upshot of the conference was the decision by both chief ministers to go together to West Jaintia Hills and Karbi Anglong in June as a confidence-building move.

Three regional committees from each state have been instructed to begin fact-finding missions in the six remaining areas of contention out of the 12 areas of disagreement. By the end of July, both states’ Regional Committees will turn in their reports, following which the CM-level review meeting will take place.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “We had a very productive meeting today. Of the 12 areas of differences, six are already resolved. Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma and I will jointly visit Karbi Anglong and Jantia Hills in June as a confidence-building measure.”

“The people on both sides will feel confident and they will be assured that both the states will resolve the differences and dispute with a spirit of the long-existing friendship between the people of Meghalaya and Assam,” CM Sarma added.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma stated that this marks the start of the process to resolve the remaining six areas of contention.

“We had a fruitful discussion. We have asked regional committees to do fact-finding and start the same process as was done for the first phase of talks. We will consult with stakeholders and we hope to get reports very soon, some areas may take time and some will be faster. We hope we will be able to get the reports soon,” he said.

Conrad Sangma further said, “I am confident in the leadership of Chief Minister of Assam and the Government of India and we will find a way to resolve the matter with mutual trust and friendships. At the same time, we have asked the Survey of India to continue with their survey work of the first six areas of differences and complete their surveys.”

The Assam delegation comprised of cabinet ministers Atul Bora, Pijush Hazarika, and Chandra Mohan Patowary along with senior government officials.

The Meghalaya delegation comprised of deputy chief ministers Prestone Tynsong and Snaiwbhalang Dhar; minister Comingone Ymbone and senior government officials.

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