Mutual Understanding Reached at 6 Border Points, Says Assam CM Himanta Biswa

Guwahati: Assam, Meghalaya had reached an agreement on resolving six of the 12 disputed areas along the state's border and will sign an MOU later this month said Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after meeting with his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad Sangma.

Following today's discussion, we have reached an agreement on settling the disputes at the government level. On January 18, both states have agreed in principle to discuss opposition parties, student unions, and other stakeholders on this matter," Sarma added.

Last year, the two chief ministers agreed to work out their differences in stages, focusing on six of the twelve contested locations along the interstate border.

Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilangkata, and Ratacherra were the first six areas to be resolved. The areas are located in the Assam districts of Kamrup, Kamrup (Metropolitan), and Cachar, as well as the Meghalaya districts of West Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, and East Jaintia Hills.

Following this broad agreement, both governments formed regional committees comprised of senior ministers to visit the disputed areas and engage with local communities and other stakeholders. At a meeting in Shillong earlier this month, the two-state administrations exchanged reports from their separate committees.

Other parties must ratify a mutual understanding between two governments on the border issue. It is impossible for the government to make a decision on its own. "Within this month, we want to sign a memorandum of understanding with Meghalaya," Sarma remarked.

Prestone Tynsong, the deputy chief minister of Meghalaya, informed reporters after the meeting that the two chief ministers will meet again in the next 3-4 days, followed by a meeting with federal home minister Amit Shah.

"Hopefully, by January 21 (Meghalaya's 50th statehood day), we will have a definitive agreement that will be made public," he stated.

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