SHILLONG, May 17: The second phase of the crucial border talks to resolve the dispute in the remaining six areas of difference between Meghalaya and Assam is likely to commence on May 24 in Guwahati.
The chief ministers of the two states along with the members of the regional committees on interstate boundary are expected to attend the meeting.
“The Assam CM and I along with the committee members are expected to meet on the 24th of this month. This will be the first meeting that may take place in Guwahati,” Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Wednesday.
“We are still waiting for confirmation but tentatively both of us have agreed. The logistics have been worked out and if everything falls into place we are expected to meet on the 24th of this month,” Sangma said.
The chief minister also informed that following the meeting in Guwahati, both he and his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma will pay a visit to Block-I and Block-II areas to send a message of peace and restraint.
Referring to the recurring instances of interstate border skirmishes, the latest being the incident at Khanduli in West Jaintia Hills, Sangma said, “This is precisely the reason why talks are necessary and this is precisely the reason why we need to find a solution at the earliest.”
Admitting that the government is concerned, he said, “We appeal for peace and harmony in the area but ultimately if we want to restore permanent peace, solution to the border issues is the only way.”
The remaining six areas of dispute include Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Deshdoomreah, Block- I, Block-II, and Psiar-Khanduli.
