By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 19: Facing criticism for the delay in the commencement of talks to resolve the state’s boundary disputes with Assam in the remaining six areas, the state government on Thursday said work is in progress and the regional committees are treading cautiously as the problem in the second phase is far more complex than what it was in the first phase.
“We have to understand that the border issue is an age-old problem but both the CMs have tried to come to an understanding so that it does not linger on. However, solution is not easy. Different regional committees are trying their best to address the issue,” said United Democratic Party legislator Lahkmen Rymbui, who is a member of the West Jaintia Hills regional committee on border dispute.
He made the statement after a review meeting of the committee held at the state secretariat.
“The work is in progress and it is not that the government does not take any action. The MDA 1 government had decided to address the issue at the earliest but it is a vexed issue and we have to move cautiously,” Rymbui said.
“We have to see consensus and confidence among people. I am hopeful that both the states and the people of the border areas will understand that this issue needs to be settled once and for all with some understanding,” he added.
“The issue in the second phase, especially in Jaintia hills, needs to be understood. The boundary difference has to be settled. Secondly, the re-transferring of Block 1 and another issue are the issues of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council,” Rymbui said. Reiterating the difficulties, he said both Chief Ministers came to the table with an open mind. He was hopeful about a solution in the near future.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who is the Chairman of the committee, told reporters the meeting discussed the prevailing situation in the area (Block 1) and everything is peaceful.
He said there are some concerns on the construction of a road by the Assam government and the Meghalaya government is discussing the matter with Assam. He added that the committee will meet again soon.