Meghalaya’s Frustration Soars as Critical Border Talks with Assam Hit a Standstill – Northeast News Exclusive

The Meghalaya government has expressed dissatisfaction with Assam’s reluctance to reengage in discussions aimed at resolving their border disputes, particularly in the second phase of negotiations. Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh, who also leads the West Khasi Hills regional committee, revealed that Meghalaya has communicated its concerns to Assam. The Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills has brought up the issue with his Kamrup counterpart, and Lyngdoh has also discussed it with Assam’s Chairman, Chandra Mohan Patowary.

This announcement comes amidst mounting public pressure and demands from political figures to accelerate the resolution process for six remaining disputed areas. Talks have been at a standstill for nearly two years. “Despite Assam’s discouraging response, we remain committed to continuing the dialogue and hope to resume discussions soon,” Lyngdoh stated.

In March of the previous year, a landmark agreement between Assam and Meghalaya had been signed to address nearly 50 years of border disputes, a move lauded by Union Home Minister Amit Shah as a significant achievement for the Northeast. This agreement defined a phased strategy for tackling the disputes, with the first phase successfully settling issues in six less contentious areas: Gizang, Tarabari, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilangkata, Ratacherra, and Hahim. In these areas, Assam was allocated 18.51 sq km out of the total 36.79 sq km disputed land.

The upcoming second phase will address more complex disputes in Langpih, Borduar, Deshdoomreah, Block I-II, Psiar-Khanduli, and Nongwah-Mawtamur (Garbhanga). The delay in progress has intensified the urgency to find amicable solutions to these enduring conflicts, reflecting both states’ need to return to negotiations for a peaceful settlement.

Original Source: https://nenews.in/meghalaya/meghalaya-expresses-disappointment-over-stalled-border-talks-with-assam/17260/
Category : Assam,Meghalaya
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Publish Date: 2024-12-21 10:12:00