SHILLONG, June 30: The Meghalaya government has reconstituted three Regional Committees to resume discussions on the remaining six areas of difference along the Meghalaya-Assam boundary. The panels are expected to submit their reports within 45 days.
A notification issued by the Political Department on June 30 identified the areas as Langpih in West Khasi Hills, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur and Deshdoomreah in Ri-Bhoi, and Block-I and Psiar-Khanduli in West Jaintia Hills. The notification partially modifies an earlier order issued on March 20, 2023.
The committees will be headed by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong (Ri-Bhoi), Power Minister Mehtab Lyngdoh (West Khasi Hills), and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar (West Jaintia Hills). They comprise ministers, MLAs, representatives of autonomous district councils, and the respective Deputy Commissioners as member conveners.
The panels will coordinate with Assam’s counterparts, verify village claims with official records, establish geographical locations and contiguity, examine demographic profiles based on census data, prepare an “as-is” public asset register, conduct field visits, and interact with local residents and stakeholders.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the reconstitution became necessary after the recent cabinet reshuffle to maintain established protocols. He added that Meghalaya had been waiting for Assam to complete its cabinet expansion before restarting discussions.
“With both governments now having their teams in place, I expect Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to assign responsibilities to the reconstituted regional committees,” Sangma said, hoping talks would resume soon.
He reiterated both states’ commitment to resolving the remaining disputes through dialogue, noting significant progress in recent years compared to decades of stagnation. Sangma emphasised that the new committees will build on previous work while considering any fresh developments.
