The state government’s regional committee for West Jaintia Hills, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and cabinet minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, held a meeting today to discuss the status of the disputed border between Meghalaya and Assam.
The meeting also addressed the ongoing construction work being carried out by the Assam government at Mukroh. Reassuring the public, Dhar stated that the situation remains peaceful, with security forces deployed to ensure the cessation of construction work. However, he refrained from providing extensive details.
“We plan to convene another meeting after the New Year,” Dhar stated.
He further emphasized that the current situation is calm and that the meeting primarily served to assess developments along the border. Dhar also highlighted a prior agreement between the two states, which stipulates that any developmental work undertaken should not disrupt the peace and tranquility of the local population. Concerns raised by residents are also being addressed as part of this process.
When asked about the progress of talks for the second phase of resolving the border issue, Dhar acknowledged the complexity of the matter and reiterated the committee’s commitment to tackling it systematically.
Committee member Lahkmen Rymbui echoed Dhar’s sentiments, acknowledging that the border dispute has persisted for over 50 years since Meghalaya was carved out of Assam. He expressed gratitude for the cooperative approach taken by the chief ministers of both states, noting the urgency of finding a resolution.
“A solution to this long-standing border dispute is challenging, but the regional committees are working diligently to address the issue. It’s crucial to consider the consensus and convenience of the affected people. I remain optimistic that both state governments and border communities will recognize the need to settle this matter once and for all. Progress is being made, and since the formation of the MDA government, we have been determined to resolve the dispute,” Rymbui stated. “Without a positive mindset, we wouldn’t have ventured into addressing such a vexed issue. However, the government is committed to resolving it, keeping the interests of the state and border residents at heart.”
