SHILLONG: The Meghalaya government expressed disappointment on Friday over Assam’s lack of enthusiasm in resuming talks to resolve their ongoing border disputes in the second phase.
“We have conveyed our concerns to our counterparts in Assam,” stated Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh, who also chairs the West Khasi Hills regional committee.
He added that the Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills has raised the matter with his counterpart in Kamrup, and he has discussed it with Assam’s Chairman, Chandra Mohan Patowary.
This statement comes amid growing public pressure and calls from political leaders to expedite the resolution process for the remaining six disputed areas. Negotiations have been stalled for nearly two years.
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“The response from Assam has been discouraging so far, but we remain committed to continuing the dialogue. We hope to resume discussions soon,” Lyngdoh said.
In March last year, a historic agreement was signed between the two states to resolve 50 years of border disputes. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed it as a landmark achievement for the Northeast.
The agreement outlined a phased approach to address the disputes. The first phase successfully resolved issues in six less sensitive areas: Gizang, Tarabari, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilangkata, Ratacherra, and Hahim. Assam was awarded 18.51 sq km of the 36.79 sq km of disputed land in these areas.
The second phase will focus on resolving the more complex disputes in Langpih, Borduar, Deshdoomreah, Block I-II, Psiar-Khanduli, and Nongwah-Mawtamur (Garbhanga).
