Nongpoh, July 22: A significant joint meeting between Assam and Meghalaya was held on Saturday to discuss on the three critical areas of dispute along the interstate boundary.
The critical areas are Desh Domreah, Nongwah Mawtamur, and Borduar sector.
The meeting was held at the Assam State Guest House, Koinadhara, with the aim of finding amicable solutions to longstanding border disputes between the two neighboring states.
The meeting saw the active participation of key representatives from both sides, signifying a cooperative effort in addressing the contentious issues.
The Regional Committee from Meghalaya, led by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, played a crucial role in the discussions.
The committee members attending the meeting included Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun, Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar, Umroi MLA Damanbait Lamare, Chief Executive Member of the KHADC Pyniaid Sing Syiem, Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi, Arpit Upadhyaya, and other officers.
From Assam, two regional ccommittees were present, with Agriculture Minister Atul Bora and Forest & Environment Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary heading the respective teams.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for August 25, at the same location, where officials from both states will reconvene to deliberate on the findings and formulate recommendations.
Recognizing the significance of understanding ground realities, a joint site inspection is planned for August 26, specifically in the Desh Domreah sector.
For the other two areas, Nongwah Mawtamur and Borduar sector, the date for site inspections will be decided at a later stage, they said.
The diverse representation of officials from both states demonstrated their commitment to resolving the border disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong informed that the meeting primarily focused on three critical areas of contention: Desh Domreah, Nongwah Mawtamur, and Borduar sector.
Both sides engaged in constructive dialogue, presenting comprehensive analyses and engaging in in-depth discussions.
To expedite the resolution process, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong revealed that the committee has instructed the Deputy Commissioners from both Meghalaya and Assam to conduct further assessments and research on the specified areas of concern.
Tynsong also shed light on the second phase of the discussions, which aims to resolve six additional areas of contention between Assam and Meghalaya.
The commitment to address these remaining disputes was reaffirmed during a meeting between the chief ministers of both states on May 24, 2023, he said.
The joint meeting marks a positive step forward in the border dispute resolution efforts between Assam and Meghalaya.
By fostering open dialogue and cooperation, both states demonstrate their commitment to fostering lasting harmony along their shared borders.
The forthcoming follow-up meeting and site inspections are anticipated to yield further progress in finding equitable solutions to the border disputes, he said.
