By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 18: Despite the high-octane optics of the first phase of the border settlement, the MDA government’s regional committees have fallen into a state of inertia, prompting the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) to demand an immediate resumption of stalled talks with the new Assam administration.
HSPDP president KP Pangniang confirmed the party has urged Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to prioritise the second phase of negotiations.
While six locations were resolved under the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), disputes persist in six remaining areas, including sensitive sectors in Ri-Bhoi and West Khasi Hills.
For residents in blocks such as Langpih and Block II, the deadlock has stalled essential developmental schemes and left villagers vulnerable to jurisdictional friction. Although regional committees were established to facilitate discussions for Phase 2, these bodies have rarely met since their inception, leaving the process in a stalemate for nearly two years.
Pangniang stated that the party will seek a formal audience with the Chief Minister to ensure the transition of power in Assam leads to immediate diplomatic movement. He noted that resolving the remaining disputes is a critical priority and a necessary milestone for the state government.
In a concurrent push for indigenous identity protection, the HSPDP also recognised the state cabinet’s decision to grant Khasi and Garo the status of official languages in Meghalaya. The party described the move as a significant step toward the eventual inclusion of the languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
