SHILLONG, Nov 24: The Meghalaya government remains uncertain about the resumption of the stalled second phase of interstate boundary talks with Assam, as both states await the intervention of their chief ministers.
Acknowledging the delay, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said, “I don’t know right now because we are depending on the meeting of the chief ministers of Meghalaya and Assam. They will sit down again and work out what is next.”
It is pertinent to note that the coalition partners in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, including the BJP and HSPDP, have voiced concerns over the prolonged delay.
Cabinet Minister and senior BJP leader AL Hek had noted growing unease among legislators regarding the lack of progress.
The second phase of negotiations, stalled for over 18 months, aims to address disputes in areas of difference, namely Langpih, Borduar, Deshdoomreah, Block I-II,
Psiar-Khanduli and Nongwah-Mawtamur. These areas have been identified as more sensitive and complex compared to those addressed in the first phase.
While both governments have repeatedly assured the public of their commitment to resolving the border issue, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma recently emphasised the need for caution, noting that the second phase of talks involves more sensitive and complex areas compared to the ones in the first phase.
The two states share an 885-km border with six key contentious areas.
Although both chief ministers had planned visits to the disputed regions, these have yet to materialise, adding to concerns over the lack of tangible progress.
Asked if the state government is hopeful of settlement of boundary issues with Assam, Tynsong said, “We are trying, but the issue is complicated.”
It may be mentioned that the delay has left many stakeholders anxious for a resolution, as the long-standing boundary disputes continue to affect communities on both sides.
