- NET Web Desk
In an attempt to sort-out the long pending boundary conflict, the northeastern states of Assam & Meghalaya on Monday exchanged reports prepared by their respective regional committees.
Addressing the mediapersons, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma asserted that a detailed meeting was held with the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya Prestone Tynsong and Pijush Hazarika, who is the minister and chairman of the regional committee from Assam.
“We had a detailed discussion and presentation and exchange of the reports that were made by both the regional committees. Now Assam government has the report made by the Meghalaya government and vice-versa. We have gone through it. Again detailed discussion was also held and I must say it was a very positive discussion,” – stated Mr Sangma.
“Because we will be meeting at the chief ministers’ level again and that is when we will be coming up with the final outcome and final decision which I hope will be within the next few weeks, we will be able to meet and finalise on the reports and take a final decision at least for the first phase,” Mr Sangma said.
He informed that regional committees of Kamrup district and West Khasi Hills will again meet in Guwahati today.
Mr Sangma stressed on the fact that both the state governments are committed to finding an amicable solution to end this long-pending boundary dispute.
Meanwhile, taking to Twitter, the Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika confirmed the news, “On directions HCM Dr @himantabiswa Sir, held an important discussion with Meghalaya Dy CM Sri Prestone Tynsong and officials of both states in presence of HCM Megh @ConradSangma on long-standing border issues. We shall resolve the issues soon.”
On directions HCM Dr @himantabiswa Sir, held an important discussion with Meghalaya Dy CM Sri Prestone Tynsong and officials of both states in presence of HCM Megh @ConradSangma on long-standing border issues. We shall resolve the issues soon. @CMOfficeAssam pic.twitter.com/L3zLoFPhKa
— Pijush Hazarika (@Pijush_hazarika) January 3, 2022
Its pertinent to note that for settling the border disputes, Assam & Meghalaya government had formed regional committees led by Cabinet ministers and officials of the two northeastern states. These committees were directed to focus on 5 aspects – historical facts, ethnicity, administrative convenience, contiguity of the land, willingness and people’s sentiments.
Based on the same, the regional committees were tasked with the responsibility of making joint visits to “areas of differences” along the inter-state border, thereby interacting with all stakeholders, village heads, record their views, and finally submit their reports.
Out of 12 disputed locations, in the first phase, 6 disputed locations were mutually studied – Tarabari, Gizang, Fahala, Baklapara, Khanapara (Pilingkata) and Ratacherra. These areas fall under Cachar, Kamrup and Kamrup Metropolitan districts of Assam and West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi and East Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.
