SHILLONG, Aug 16: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said discussions to resolve the state’s boundary disputes with Assam in the remaining six areas will begin soon.
“My government has been taking all possible steps to resolve the long-standing boundary dispute between Meghalaya and Assam,” Sangma said addressing a crowd during the Independence Day celebrations at Polo Ground here on Monday.
He said after his several meetings with his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma, both states agreed to first take up six of the 12 areas of differences such as Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pillangkata and Ratacherra.
According to him, the regional committees, headed by cabinet ministers from the two states, conducted field visits and held public hearings and discussions with all stakeholders. Based on their reports, he added, a historic MoU was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Stating that the overall law and order situation in the state continues to be by and large peaceful, he said he is happy to inform that in a historic development, the HNLC expressed its willingness for unconditional talks within the ambit of the Constitution of India.
“The peace talks have started and the state government is committed to ensure that the talks are concluded at the earliest. We are also thankful to the Government of India for its support,” Sangma said.
Meanwhile, he said the state government is making multiple interventions to decongest Shillong and make it more vibrant.
“About 870 acres of land has already been acquired at Mawpdang for constructing a futuristic township. Key bypasses that would enable tourists and others to bypass Shillong town on their way to Sohra, Nongstoin, Pynursla and Jowai are under construction,” Sangma said.
He said these include the Ranigodam-Mairang road, the Mawlyndep-Mawmaram road and the Shillong-Diengpasoh road. The government is also working on decongesting traffic in Shillong by introducing a mix of electric and conventional buses for public transport and schools, he said. “In a recent study, it was found that almost 60% of students use private vehicles and only 11% of the citizens use public transport to commute. To tackle this anomaly, we will be introducing 60 buses in Shillong which will take off almost 1,800 cars from the city roads during peak hours,” the CM said.
Moreover, Sangma disclosed that two five-star hotels with a combined room capacity of 380 will be operationalised soon in Shillong.
He said the Crowborough hotel, managed by Taj Vivanta, will be inaugurated in September this year while the Courtyard hotel, managed by Marriott, will be inaugurated by the end of the year.
Pointing out that Mawlynnong and Kongthong are globally recognised, Sangma said the government wants to create 500 such villages.
“I want to create opportunities for our designers, musicians and artists to do exhibitions and shows in Paris or New York on a regular basis,” Sangma said.
He said becoming one of the best states in the country is to create an ecosystem that would enable kids like Raksan Sangma and Ibaihun Kurbah to win medals at the 2032 Olympics.
Asserting that Meghalaya is looked upon as the next emerging state, he said multilateral donors like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank and organizations like the IKEA foundation and the Amazon India are partnering with and investing in the state and its entrepreneurs.
He further said Meghalaya is implementing India’s largest piggery mission, adding that there is an annual production-consumption gap of approximately 10,000 tonnes of pork.
“This translates into Rs 300 crore of value. The piggery mission will bridge this gap and provide increased nutritional security and better incomes for our farmers,” the CM added.
Earlier, he hoisted the national flag and took the salute of the marching contingents.