Inter-state border dispute between Assam, M’laya
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has asked political parties of both Assam and Meghalaya to come together to solve the vexed boundary dispute.
Irrespective of varied political parties governing the neighbouring state, the chief minister asserted that the State government would carry forward the talks on the inter-state boundary dispute with the new government of Assam in the best interest of the State.
Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, the chief minister said the matter has already been discussed with the new Assam chief minister on the sidelines and formal discussions would continue at the political level.
According to the chief minister, both the governments would convince each other to take up the matter on a mutual commitment to solve the contentious boundary dispute pending for years.
The chief minister also reiterated that all political parties need to be taken on the board to find out a solution to the long vexed issue. Earlier, the Meghalaya Assembly had adopted a resolution to ask the Central government for a boundary commission but the Assam Assembly did not accept the resolution.
The chief minister also said that the government need to re-strategize its approach since Assam Assembly did not accepted the idea of a boundary commission.
He pointed out that no more new settlement should be allowed in the areas of difference and residents must not be deprived of developmental programmes being carried out in other areas.
The chief minister also batted for allowing developmental programmes in the disputed areas in consultation and on prior information to each other.
He also suggested the Assam chief minister to involve all the political parties in Assam on the issue so that the solution is acceptable to one and all.
He further said there should not be any space for politicking, adding that both the states will evade a solution if the issue is further politicized.