By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 26: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday stated that tensions may flare up along the Assam-Meghalaya border from time to time, but what matters most is the ability of the two state governments to contain such incidents and work towards lasting peace.
He said this with reference to a flare-up in Ri-Bhoi district’s Maikhuli recently.
Sangma said it was natural for situations to erupt given the long and complex history of the border dispute. The unresolved boundary question has been a recurring source of tension for more than five decades.
“Incidents can erupt. It is but natural, keeping in mind the history of how the situation has been. What is important for us is to be able to contain it, respond to it, and find a solution to it,” he said.
He described border issues as inherently emotional, admitting that they often give rise to concern. However, he noted that the administrations of both Assam and Meghalaya, together with local communities, have stepped in to address the recent tensions and managed to bring the situation under control.
He said that while there will always be lingering issues, it is unrealistic to expect a quick resolution to a problem that has persisted for 52 to 53 years.
The Chief Minister underlined the ongoing efforts despite the challenges. He pointed out that there had been a political lull of nearly 46 years, during which no serious talks took place. It was only in recent times that a concerted attempt was made to open dialogue and seek solutions, he said.
“We started the talks, finally. So, I guess you have to give us that much credit to understand that there are situations,” he stated, asserting his government’s efforts to pursue a solution after the 46-year lull.
Sangma insisted that his government was dealing with the matter sincerely and with determination.
He said that while it might not be possible to resolve every outstanding issue, what mattered was the willingness to try and commit to creating conditions for peace. “Can we find solutions to everything? Maybe not. It’s not so easy, but we are trying. We are, and we’ll give it our best because we want a long-lasting peace. And in the meantime, we would like to see that the people living in this area can live peacefully,” he said.
He acknowledged that confrontations were part of the very nature of boundary disputes, but insisted that the overall direction was positive. He expressed confidence that the government’s earnest efforts would, over time, pave the way for a more stable and peaceful border.
“We are moving in the right direction, and let’s see how things unfold in the future,” he concluded.