SHILLONG: Amidst the ongoing talks to resolve the vexed border issue between Assam and Meghalaya, chief ministers of both the states met “informally” after an opening of a Karbi Hemtum in Shillong on Wednesday.
Post the event, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Meghalayan counterpart Conrad Sangma had a discussion on certain important points regarding the second phase of the border row.
Calling the meeting a confidence-building exercise, Sarma said that both governments have agreed on the issue of Hahim in Boko of Assam. “Today, we had an informal discussion on the regional committees’ work. Finally, both the governments now can agree on the issue of erecting a border post in Hahim,” he told the press about the meeting.
Admitting that the ongoing second phase of border talks is complicated than the previous one, Sarma said, “Much like the concerning six areas, this ongoing second phase is a bit a complicated. We should keep having such meetings to ease a resolution to the decades-long border issue.”
Meghalaya Chief Minister Sangma echoed, adding that the meeting was a small, but positive one. “It’s an ongoing process. Events like these help us in having better understanding on the issue. Such exercises will continue in the future,” he added.
Sarma also announced that the next formal meeting on the issue will be held in the first week of October.
“We will discuss with the Meghalaya government and if Chief Minister Sangma can come to Guwahati, we can have a formal meeting in the first week of October. If not, maybe in the second. Last time, when we went to Langpih, we were welcomed with festivities. We expect the same when we visit areas in Karbi Anglong and Jaintia Hills,” said Sarma.
Earlier, Sarma inaugurated the Karbi Guest House in Shillong, while Sangma attended the event as a special guest. “It’s an important day for Assam, as the Karbi Autonomous Council could open a Hemtum in Shillong. We thank the Meghalaya government for facilitating this establishment,” he said.
Constructed at a cost of ₹21.5 crore, the Karbi Guest House can accommodate 50 guests and has all the amenities in place.
