Guwahati, Aug 17: Efforts to resolve border disputes have taken a significant stride as members of regional committees from Assam and Meghalaya converged on Khanduli, a border area between West Karbi Anglong district in Assam and West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.
Led by Assam Cabinet Minister Piyush Hazarika and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, the committees engaged in discussions to find solutions for issues in Khanduli, one of the six areas of contention between the two states.
This marked the first joint visit to Khanduli by both committees, which were entrusted with the task of resolving border issues. During their visit, representatives from local communities, parties, and organizations from both states submitted memorandums to the committee chairmen.
Subsequently, the committee leaders convened at the border police outpost in Khanduli to discuss matters in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Piyush Hazarika revealed that the committees would revisit the area to interact with local residents, gather their viewpoints, and consider the opinions of those directly affected by the border situation.
These insights will be included in respective reports submitted to the chief ministers of Assam and Meghalaya. The reports will factor in both the perspectives of local residents and the legal constitutional boundaries.
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Hazarika emphasized that while some key border issues have already been resolved, the unresolved matters are also on the path to resolution. He highlighted the commitment of the Assam government, led by Himanta Biswa Sarma, in finding a permanent solution to border disputes with neighboring states. He also underscored the harmonious coexistence of Assam and Meghalaya residents, expressing optimism that the goodwill and sincerity of both chief ministers will lead to the speedy resolution of border differences.
The Assam minister was accompanied by MLA Rupsingh Teron, Principal Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management Department G.D. Tripathi, West Karbi Anglong Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and other top officials from the state.
In May of this year, both Assam and Meghalaya initiated the second phase of border talks at the chief minister level. This step aimed to find a harmonious and lasting resolution to six remaining “critical” areas of contention. While the completion timeline was not set, the focus was on thorough consultations and fact-finding, as regional committees from both states engaged with stakeholders. The six areas in question are Khanduli-Psiar, Block 1 and Block 2, Borduar, Langpih, Deshdemoreah, and Nongwah-Mawtamur (Garbhanga).
The progress of these discussions indicates a sincere effort to maintain peaceful coexistence between the two states. Through continued dialogue, consultations, and joint decision-making, both Assam and Meghalaya aim to foster a resolution that respects the interests and concerns of all stakeholders involved in the border issue.
