In a signal that solution of the boundary dispute with Assam may happen only next year, the Meghalaya government has extended the period for submission of reports by the three regional boundary committees by another 45 days.
This was informed by Chief Secretary Donald P. Wahlang today.
The decision by the State government is an indication that settlement of the boundary dispute with Assam in the remaining six areas of differences may not happen this year and may take off only after the Assembly elections early next year.
Recently, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had stated that border talks between Meghalaya and Assam had hit a roadblock after the Mukroh incident on November 22 in which Assam police opened indiscriminate firing killing five local villagers.
It may be mentioned that on September 27, the Meghalaya government constituted three regional committees to examine the second phase of boundary settlement in the remaining six areas of difference.
The second phase consists of areas like Langpih in West Khasi Hills District; Borduar, Nongwah- Mawtamur, Deshdoomreah, Block-ll in Ri-Bhoi District; Block-l, Psiar-Khanduli in West Jaiñtia Hills District.
The Ri Bhoi District Regional Committee is headed by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong as chairman. The members are cabinet minister Dasakhiat Lamare, Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, KHADC Executive Member Jambor War, KHADC Member of District Council (MDC) Rangkynsai Kharbuki and Deputy Commissioner, Ri-Bhoi District as Member Convenor.
The West Khasi Hills Regional Committee is headed by PHE minister Renikton L. Tongkhar. The members include Nongstoin MLA Macmillan Byrsat, Rambrai-Jyrngam MLA Kimfa S. Marbaniang, KHADC Deputy Chief Executive Member (CEM) Gigur Myrthong, Member of District Council (MDC) Bajop Pyngrope and Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills District.
The West Jaiñtia Hills District Regional Committee is headed by Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar as chairman. The members are Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Raliang MLA Comingone Ymbon, Mowkaiaw MLA Nujorki Sungoh, JHADC Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat and West Jaiñtia Hills District Deputy Commissioner.
The terms of reference of the three committees are to coordinate with the relevant Regional Committee set up by the Assam government. They will also have to cross-reference and verify the names of the villages (sub-villages) claimed by Meghalaya with the names of villages as per records of the Government of Assam.
It may be mentioned that Meghalaya and Assam had on March 29 this year signed an MoU to end their border dispute in six contested locations namely Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pillangkata and Ratacherra.
The Survey of India is currently working to identify the areas and villages of the two states as per the MoU before final demarcation of the border.
