Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday said that while the situation along the state’s border with Assam remains under control, occasional flare-ups may continue due to the long-standing nature of the dispute.
Calling the boundary conflict “a complex issue with a deep-rooted history,” Sangma acknowledged that sporadic incidents still occur, but added that timely intervention by the government, with public support, has helped ease tensions to some extent.
The decades-old dispute stems from the Assam Reorganisation (Meghalaya) Act of 1969 and covers 12 contested stretches along the 884.9-km interstate boundary.
“Both governments have taken significant steps to resolve these issues through dialogue. In 2022, Assam and Meghalaya signed Memorandums of Understanding to demarcate six disputed areas, which marked major progress towards peace,” Sangma told reporters.
He said the installation of boundary pillars in locations such as Hahim reflects the implementation of these agreements.
To address the remaining six areas, regional committees have been formed to engage local communities and work out mutually acceptable solutions.
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“These committees will keep dialogue going and ensure disputes are settled in a systematic and peaceful way,” the chief minister said.
Sangma also noted that the upcoming elections in Assam have brought a temporary lull in tensions, and his government intends to use this period to strengthen peace efforts.
“The issue is complicated, and we are taking a measured approach to engage with people. Our ultimate goal is to achieve lasting peace and ensure that residents of these areas live without fear,” he added.
