GUWAHATI: Giving a positive approach to the long-standing boundary dispute between Assam and Meghalaya, the chief ministers of both the states on Friday decided to adopt a pragmatic approach and move from status quo to solution.
The decision was taken during the chief minister-level talks between Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad Sangma in shilling on Friday.
During discussion, Meghalaya government claimed 12 disputed places belonging to the state. In response, Assam government also justified with documents that those places belong to Assam.
After detailed discussion, both the governments decided to discuss all 12 places one by one and review claims. If possible, both the chief ministers will visit all 12 places, an official said.
Sarma also invited Sangma for the second round of discussion in Guwahati on August 6.
Later talking to media persons, chief minister Sarma said, “It was a very fruitful discussion. We came to a common understanding and we are firm and committed to resolve the border dispute”.
The chief minister also said that in view of contradictory claims, there would have more discussion and review so that a lasting solution could be reached.
Sangma while thanking Assam chief minister Sarma for his visit and to take forth the dialogue on the border dispute, said that as it was a long pending issue, it would take some more time as well as consultation for an amicable and accepted solution to both the states.
Along with chief minister Sarma, the Assam government was represented by chief secretary Jishnu Barua, DGP Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta, principal secretary to the CM Samir Kumar Sinha and commissioner & secretary (border protection & development) GD Tripathi.
From Meghalaya government, along with the chief minister Sangma, chief secretary MS Rao, additional chief secretary RV Suchiang, commissioner & secretary R Lyngdoh and secretary home & political CVD Diengdoh were present.
