The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Meghalaya and Assam last year to resolve Phase 1 of the border negotiations between the two sides should be revisited in areas that have drawn strong negative reactions, United Democratic Party (UDP) general secretary Jemino Mawthoh has told Highland Post.
Phase 2 of the talks is currently underway.
“The boundary talks are a long drawn settlement and we are appreciative of the steps taken by the MDA government because, prior to it, all the Chief Secretaries and Chief Minister level meetings failed to bear fruit,” Mawthoh said. “The MDA government took a step forward by forming the regional committees and all but we are saying that areas that have problems and reactions from the border residents should be revisited.”
He said that areas having problems and reactions from the border residents should be revisited so that there will be no problem in resolving the second phase.
“If in Phase 1 you are facing problems in some areas then how do you move to the next stage?” he said, adding that all stakeholders should be taken onboard whether it be the district council, Himas, etc.
When asked of the recent statement made by the Chief Minister of Assam on Mukroh, claiming it for the neighbouring state, Mawthoh said that no one should make unnecessary statements that could derail the long pending boundary talks.
“When things are moving in the right direction it should not be allowed to be derailed by unnecessary statements and without verifying or based on authentic reports,” he stated.