Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 344/22

MEGHALAYA BORDER TALKS

The second phase of discussion between Assam and Meghalaya to resolve the long pending area of differences between the two States was held today in Assam Secretariat, Dispur. The Chief Ministers of both Assam and Meghalaya along with Chief Secretaries of both the States and other officers attended the meeting.

Addressing the press conference after the crucial meeting, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said that in the next 15 days regional committees will formed to take forward the discussion on the remaining six areas of differences between Assam and Meghalaya. Both the States had identified 12 areas of differences.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed his satisfaction on the signing of MoU on the six areas of difference, which were taken up in the first phase of the talks between both the States and has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Both Assam and Meghalaya had initiated the discussion in the process to resolve the border dispute that lasted between Assam and Meghalaya for over 50 years. We have taken the discussion forward and have carried out a very detailed discussion before singing of the MoU, he said.

The MoU on the first six areas of difference was signed on 29th March, 2022 in New Delhi by both the Chief Ministers in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. At present, the Survey of India in collaboration with both the States are working to demarcate the borders. Both the Governments are working together to ensure that the survey work completes at the earliest, the Chief Minister added.

The remaining six areas of difference are Khanduli and Psiar, Block I and Block II, Borduar, Langpih, Nongwah Mawtamur and Desh Doomreah. The regional committees will be headed by cabinet ministers from respective States who will be made chairpersons. The members of Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Councils will also be made part of the regional committees.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said that once the regional committees are formed site visits, public consultation and consultation with stakeholders will be initiated. He also said that both the Chief Ministers will be visiting certain areas to build confidence amongst the public in the areas of differences as a goodwill gesture. He further said that both the Governments are very serious to find a permanent and an amicable solution on the area of differences between Assam and Meghalaya.