By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has hinted at the possibility of an end to the vexed inter-state boundary dispute with Assam considering that the process of examination of documents by Assam government is nearing completion and talks between the two sides are set to resume soon. Addressing the gathering during the Independence Day celebrations here at Polo grounds on Thursday, the Chief Minister said, “The Assam government has almost completed examining the comprehensive documents in support of our claims and it is expected that dialogues between the two states will arrive at a mutually acceptable solution.”
Dr Sangma said that the State Government is continuing to press upon the Ministry of Home Affairs to prevail on the Assam government to agree to Meghalaya’s proposition to constitute a ‘Border Commission’ to find a solution to this long-pending issue.
As far as the international boundary with Bangladesh is concerned, Dr Sangma informed that a protocol has already been signed between the governments of the two countries and once the protocol is ratified, the boundary will be delineated on the ground. “This is a very healthy development as this would lead to better people-to-people understanding and facilitate growth of commercial and economic relations,” the Chief Minister said, adding “in a globalised and liberated economic framework, it should be our endeavour to explore new opportunities in our immediate neighbourhood and take advantage of it.”