Meghalaya-Assam border talks 2.0
From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, April 3: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday acknowledged the complexities surrounding the second phase of the Meghalaya-Assam boundary talks but assured that the Meghalaya government is committed to finding a peaceful resolution through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Conrad’s statement assumes significance as his Assam counterpart, Himanta Biswa Sarma, had last week asserted that his government is eager to resolve the pending dispute and that three of the pending six disputed areas in phase two could be resolved at any point in time.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the All Meghalaya Karbi Association’s golden jubilee celebrations at Purduwa, Raid Hoppati, in Ri-Bhoi district, Conrad highlighted the importance of peaceful co-existence and collaboration between Meghalaya and Assam.
The chief minister also noted that for decades, students in border areas were forced to study in makeshift schools due to administrative conflicts.
However, through the joint efforts of the Meghalaya government, Assam government and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), the process of constructing permanent schools has now commenced, ensuring a brighter future for children in these regions, Conrad said.
It may be mentioned that the three-day-long golden jubilee event witnessed a massive gathering of Karbi community members from across Meghalaya and Assam. It was attended by several dignitaries, including Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar, Nongpoh MDC Rona Khymdeit, Umroi MDC Isynei Hinge and Deputy Chairman of the Karbi Autonomous District Council, Avjit Kro.
As part of the celebrations, the chief minister unveiled a commemorative plaque and received a memorandum from the association, which outlined various demands concerning the welfare of the Karbi community in Meghalaya.
Conrad then lauded the association’s role in preserving Karbi culture and recalled the contributions of Karbi leaders such as Chiko Timung, Dominik Timung, Valerian Timung and Joy Tado in Meghalaya’s statehood movement.
The chief minister also announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant for the celebrations and pledged Rs 50 lakh for the establishment of a Karbi Cultural Centre. Further, Nongpoh MLA handed over a Rs 5 lakh work order for the renovation of the association’s auditorium.
Regarding ‘Karbi’ nomenclature’—the demand for official recognition of the Karbi identity—Conrad informed that the matter is under consideration, with a committee led by the Commissioner and Secretary of the Social Welfare Department working on the issue in consultation with the central government.
During the event, the association paid rich tributes to former Meghalaya chief minister Dr. DD Lapang for his contributions to the establishment of the Karbi association.
Several other association leaders were also felicitated for their efforts in serving the Karbi community.
Other highlights of the celebrations included vibrant cultural performances, traditional dances and exhibitions, showcasing the rich heritage of the Karbi tribe and marking a significant milestone in the association’s 50-year journey.