Delays continue to mar phase 2 of border talks

By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 23: After the initial show of positive intent in resolving the first phase of the Assam-Meghalaya border dispute, the second phase of talks — meant to address the remaining six areas of contention — has stalled. The Meghalaya government is still awaiting a response from its Assam counterpart to resume the process. The second phase of discussions has been on hold for over a year, with multiple proposed timelines for resumption having already lapsed.
Commenting on the matter, Mayralborn Syiem, a member of the Ri-Bhoi Regional Committee on border, defended the delay, stating that the dispute dates back several decades and that sensitive issues like this naturally take time to resolve.
“We are optimistic that our counterpart will soon inform us about the spot inspections and discussions,” he said.
When asked if Assam is showing a lack of interest in the second phase of talks, Syiem acknowledged the long-pending nature of the issue but lauded the governments of both states for previously taking the bold step of initiating discussions.
Asked whether the Meghalaya government plans to write officially to Assam to expedite the talks, he noted that the Chief Secretary has been in continuous communication with Assam on the matter.
Assam and Meghalaya share an 885-km border, with six critical points of dispute identified. Although both Chief Ministers had announced plans to visit these disputed areas, the visits are yet to take place.