SHILLONG, Sep 11: Uncertainty looms over the second phase of boundary talks between Assam and Meghalaya, as concerns emerge regarding the coordination between the West Khasi Hills regional committees and the state government. Despite the state government awaiting reports from the regional committees before September 30, there seems to be a lack of communication and progress.
HSPDP chief and member of the West Khasi Hills regional committee, KP Pangniang, on Thursday revealed that the report is far from ready, emphasising that talks need to resume to begin the process. “The regional committee is in place, but the report isn’t ready yet as they must start the second phase of talks. It is the duty of all regional parties, but government needs to take the first step,” said Pangniang.
The regional committees have not yet completed the necessary surveys of disputed sites or conducted public hearings to finalise their reports. The situation has been further complicated by law and order issues in the interstate border areas and preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which have caused delays.
Pangniang mentioned that the HSPDP has urged the government to move forward with the talks and has met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to discuss the urgency of addressing the unresolved border areas. He expressed hope that the government would expedite the process to resolve the six remaining sectors of dispute.
The second phase of negotiations between Assam and Meghalaya, which has been on hold for over a year, is now expected to resume in October 2024. Both governments have assured the public of their commitment to restarting discussions. However, Conrad recently stressed the need for caution, noting that the second phase of talks involves more sensitive and complex areas compared to the first.
Assam and Meghalaya share an 885-km border, with six key points of contention identified. Both Chief Ministers had planned to visit the disputed areas but have yet to carry out this visit.
