Border Talks: Assam, Meghalaya CMs finish 2nd round; Panels to submit report in 30 days

Sarma said that he would also visit some of the disputed areas with Sangma to instill confidence amongst the people.

Time8 Desk
August 6, 2021
4:46 pm

Guwahati: The governments of Assam and Meghalaya on Friday have decided to form three regional committees headed by a cabinet minister from each state to look into border disputes of at least six areas along the borders of the states.

Though there are some 12 areas along the borders of the two states where disputes remain, the chief ministers of both the states decided to take on six areas in the first phase. On Friday, the chief ministers of the both the states along with top officials held the second meeting on border disputes in Guwahati.

The first of the meeting was held in Shillong on July 23 where it was found that there were 12 areas of disputes between the states.

There is very strong will from both Meghalaya & Assam Governments to find an amicable solution to the areas of differences. Today we discussed 6 areas of differences which will be taken up in a phase-wise manner. pic.twitter.com/Qm7SmKu2ew
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) August 6, 2021

Following the discussion on the border disputes here, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma said, “We have decided to form three regional committees (RCs) headed by one cabinet minister each from both Meghalaya and Assam to look into matters of the six areas of differences. The RCs will make joint visits and submit their report within 30 days.”

In the first phase, the three RCs to take up the border disputes of Tarabari, Gisang, Khanapara-Pilangkata , Ratacherra and Bokhlapara involving West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi and East Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya and Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro) and Cachar districts of Assam.

“The committees will prepare their report based on five factors-histories, ethnicity, administrative connivance, will of the people living there and the contiguity of the area,” informed Sangma.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma added, “There will be three five-member regional committees. The committee members will visit the disputed sites, interact with people and give a presentation based on the feedback. The committees would be tasked with narrowing down the differences for a decision to be taken at the level of the chief ministers. But if differences continue then we will approach a higher platform or move the Centre.”

Sarma said that he would also visit some of the disputed areas with Sangma to instill confidence amongst the people.

“The northeastern states have common issues and concerns. The border disputes amongst the states have become a barrier of progress in many times and affected our relations. So it must be resolved unanimously,” Sarma added.