By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 20: The delay in the second phase border talks between Meghalaya and Assam has fuelled frustration and demands that Assam stop dragging its feet and move faster towards a settlement.
The two states were scheduled to jointly inspect some disputed areas as a prelude to second phase talks but Assam has not yet communicated a date.
The dispute, festering for over five decades now, has again prompted calls from the members of the Ri-Bhoi regional committee for an urgent push to break the deadlock.
UDP legislator and regional committee member Mayralborn Syiem called for expediting the process.
“We would love to have the date as soon as possible. We would love to settle it at the earliest. This is a long-pending issue,” he said, expressing hope for an early solution to the issue.
On the recent flare-up in Maikhuli, Syiem stressed that peace must not be disturbed.
“All of us want peace and tranquillity. Any disturbance is uncalled for, especially when we are having a cordial relationship. Such incidents occurred also in the past and the district administration on both sides tried their best to arrive at a solution,” he noted.
He emphasised that the talks should be held at the earliest at the level of Deputy Commissioner or Chief Secretary or Chief Minister for the resolution of the problem once and for all. At the same time however, he said the delay is linked to multiple factors.
“This is a sensitive issue. Even those (areas) which have been resolved, there are merits and demerits. It’s not a 100 per cent in favour of the decision nor will it ever be but we have to respect the sentiments (of the people) even in the already resolved areas. It has to be resolved at the micro level,” he remarked.
Earlier, the two governments had resolved the dispute in six of the 12 areas and signed an agreement in the presence of Union home minister Amit Shah. The dispute in the second phase has to be resolved in Langpih, Borduar, Deshdoomreah, Block I-II, Psiar-Khanduli, and Nongwah-Mawtamur (Garbhanga).
Meanwhile, in view of the volatile situation in Maikhuli, Ri-Bhoi, the district administration has taken swift action following with officials from both states maintaining heavy police presence to prevent anti-social elements from exploiting the situation.
Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun, Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, Senior Superintendent of Police Vivekananda Singh Rathore, and Magistrate Eric Dkhar visited the village to engage with residents and build confidence.
To prevent a repeat of the clashes, a peace committee will be constituted soon, with both sides submitting their names. The proposed peace committee will work to resolve differences before they escalate into confrontation.
The unrest began after locals from Meghalaya uprooted electric poles erected by the Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) in Maikhuli village, leading to clashes between residents from both sides.