Assam-Meghalaya agrees to find solution for resolving dispute in 6 of 12 areas of difference within 30 days

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 6, 2021

Meghalaya and Assam on Friday decided to find amicable solution to resolve the six of the twelve areas of difference shared between the two states within 30 days.

The decision was taken at the second round of border talks held between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at Guwahati. 

The first round of talks was held at Shillong on July 23. 

Addressing media persons after the meeting, Conrad K Sangma informed that both the governments are very clear that they want to resolve the areas of difference and the disputes that are there between the two states.

“Therefore, there is a strong political will to find an amicable solution to these areas of differences,” he said. 

He said during the meeting, a detailed presentation was given by the Assam government on 6 of the 12 areas of difference. 

After discussion, Conrad said both the state governments have agreed to resolve the long pending boundary dispute in a phase wise manner. 

“Therefore, we have decided to move towards finding amicable solutions to the 6 out of 12 areas of difference,” he informed.

The six areas of difference include Tarabari (4.69 sq km), Gizang (13.53 sq km), Hahim (3.51 sq km), Boklapara (1.57 sq kms), Khanapara-Pilangkata (2.29 sq kms) and Ratacherra (11.20 sq kms).

“We have decided also that we will focus on historical facts, ethnicity, administrative convenience, willingness and the overall sense of the people’s sentiments and contiguity (for resolving the disputes),” added the Chief Minister. 

Conrad said the regional committees headed by cabinet ministers from both the states have been asked to submit their reports and their findings after making joint visits to the different areas and locations within 30 days. 

“Within this 30 days, the Chief Minister of Assam and myself will also be making some visits to some of the areas of difference in order to give a positive message to the people and to show our keeness and willingness to move forward to finding a solution to this very important and long pending difference and dispute that the two states have,” he said. 

“I am very positive that with the right political will and respect for each other and ensuring that reality of today’s world are also taken into consideration we will be able to find solution to these difficult situations that we are facing,” he further added.