2nd round of border talks: Assam, M’laya identifies 6 disputed areas for resolution in first phase
From Sandeep Sharma
GUWAHATI: Assam and Meghalaya on Friday identified six areas of dispute between them and decided to set up committees headed by cabinet ministers to try and find a solution.
These six out of a dozen are perceived to be less complicated and therefore, easier to handle.
The decision came at the second round of talks between Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad Sangma at Assam Administrative Staff College here on Friday.
The first round of discussion between the two chief ministers was held at Shillong on July 23.
The six areas are Upper Tarabari, Gazang Reserve Forest, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilangkata and Ratacherra involving West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi and East Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya and Kamrup, Kamrup (Metropolitan) and Cachar districts of Assam.
The more complicated areas of dispute are Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah, Matamur, Deshdemoreah Block I and Block II, and Khanduli.
The meeting decided to form three regional committees to be headed by three cabinet ministers from each state to undertake joint inspections in disputed areas and find mutually agreeable solutions.
The meeting also decided to adopt a phase-wise strategy to address the disputes on the basis of long-standing bonds between the two states.
The three cabinet ministers from Assam to head these committees will be minister for information and public relations Pijush Hazarika, minister agriculture etc. Atul Bora, and minister transports etc Chandra Mohan Patowary.
Beside the cabinet mMinisters, the committees will have MLA, bureaucrats and public representatives.
The committees will carry out joint visits to the areas of differences and talk to all stakeholders and village heads and draft their report containing their recommendations within 30 days.
As a term of reference, the committees will take into account historical perspectives, ethnicity, people’s perception, administrative convenience and contiguity for preparing the report.
Later addressing a joint press conference, Sarma termed the border talks as very fruitful as both the states exuded pragmatism and respect for each other for solving the outstanding border issues in a time bound manner.
Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma while sharing his views said that Meghalaya wants to find out border problems with Assam and has positive wills.
He maintained that as both Meghalaya and Assam respect each other, the need of the hour is to keep an open mind to resolve the boundary issues.
A powerpoint presentation was also given during the meeting. Several cabinet ministers from both states, chief secretaries, other senior officials were present during the meeting.
Meanwhile, in the next 30 days, the chief ministers of both the states will also jointly visit Langpih to send a message that both the States are keen to resolve all areas of differences between Assam and Meghalaya.
