Shillong, Jun 3: The second phase of border talks between Assam and Meghalaya over six remaining disputed areas will resume only after the expansion of the Assam cabinet, Meghalaya’s Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong informed today.
Addressing questions on the status of the regional committees, Tynsong said both states are awaiting the cabinet reconstitution in Assam before joint inspections can continue.
Yesterday a high-level meeting involving political representatives, senior civil and police officials and representatives of the concerned local bodies from Meghalaya and Assam was held to deliberate on issues relating to Lapangap, a disputed village on the inter-state border that has witnessed an increase in tensions of late. It was agreed that the villagers of Lapangap shall continue paddy cultivation in the foothill areas of the area of difference, while the villagers of Tahpat shall continue plantation of seasonal crops such as banana, pineapple, ginger and other similar crops on the hilltops and slopes.
“As far as the pending differences between Meghalaya and Assam are concerned, we are now waiting because the expansion of the Assam ministry is yet to take place,” Tynsong said.
Tynsong revealed that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed his willingness to continue the border negotiations and inspections through the regional committees but has requested Meghalaya to wait until the cabinet expansion is completed.
