Two committees looking at the Meghalaya-Assam border dispute in Ri-Bhoi and West Khasi Hills have submitted their reports to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma but the contents of the reports remain under wraps.
Speaking to reporters, Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong, who chairs the Ri-Bhoi committee, declined to disclose much about the report and its recommendations.
However, he did say that before Sangma meets his Assam counterpart, a consultative meeting will be convened with concerned stakeholders, including political parties, traditional leaders and NGOs.
“We have submitted our report and recommendations and the regional committee from Assam will also submit their report to the CM of Assam and both the CMs will study the report and take decisions accordingly,” he said, adding that the two will meet at the earliest.
During physical inspections of the disputed territory, some residents were willing to come under Assam, while others rather belong to Meghalaya. The regional committee noted these points and submitted its report taking into consideration the historical and geographical facts, ethnicity and the willingness of the people, besides other facts.
Meanwhile, cabinet minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar said that the West Khasi Hills committee submitted a 265-page report to the CM.
He expressed hope that the resolution of the border dispute will be in the interest of the people residing in those areas.
