By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 3: Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem on Thursday said that the state government is awaiting communication from Assam regarding the second phase of the interstate boundary dispute resolution between Assam and Meghalaya.
It is pertinent to note that the phase two of the interstate border talks aims to resolve disputes in Langpih, Borduar, Deshdoonreah, Block I-II, Pisar-Khanduli, and Nongwah-Mawtamur (Garbhanga).
While other regional committees are preparing for discussions, the Ri-Bhoi regional committee is still awaiting Assam’s communication for a joint inspection.
“We are waiting for positive communication and we are optimistic. Clear statement has been made by the chief minister and also the deputy chief minister, who is also the Chairman of our committee, that will happen soon,” Syiem said.
Acknowledging the complexities involved, he added, “Challenges are always there, but we must navigate them and take a decision. We are fully prepared from our end and are just awaiting communication from our Assam counterpart.”
Responding to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statement that three of the six disputed areas can be easily resolved, the Nongpoh MLA said, “We are optimistic in all areas, but challenges will always be there. In any legislation, merits and demerits are always there, but at the end of the day we have to listen to the voice of the people and arrive at a decision by taking all stakeholders on board.”
It may be mentioned that the Assam-Meghalaya border dispute spans decades, with both states signing an agreement to resolve the issue in phases.
In the first phase of the Meghalaya-Assam boundary talks, six areas—Gizang, Tarabari, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilingkata, Ratacherra, and Hahim—were settled. The remaining six areas, with more complex disputes, are now the focus of the second phase of negotiations.
