Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong today said that the Meghalaya government is still awaiting a formal date from the Assam government to begin the second phase of border talks, particularly for the disputed areas in Ri-Bhoi, including Blocks 1 and 2.
It was in March 2022 that the first phase of border negotiations was concluded with an agreement to resolve six areas of difference signed by the two states. Since, then, however, there has been only slow progress regarding the second phase of more contentious areas of difference.
If one goes by the familiar refrain from Meghalaya’s politicians, it is Assam that is dragging its feet to carry forward the talks. The situation has the air of two lovers, one always being made to wait for the other’s phone call.
Speaking to the media, Tynsong expressed Meghalaya’s readiness to move forward with the process but acknowledged delays from the Assam side.
“I am yet to get the date from my counterpart in Assam. In Ri-Bhoi, there are two or three chairmen from Assam for the regional committee, whereas from our side I am the only chairman. I am waiting for them to indicate the date,” Tynsong said.
With Assam set to hold elections next year, Tynsong raised concerns about whether their officials will be available for joint inspections. “From our side, we are ready and we want the inspection to be held soon. Of course, during monsoon we face a few challenges, but by the end of September, we hope the Assam side will also be ready.”
Addressing the sensitive issue of Blocks 1 and 2, Tynsong cited a 1950 notification that he said clearly showed these areas were transferred to Karbi Anglong by the government of erstwhile undivided Assam from areas that were to become Meghalaya.
“From the government’s side, we have been requesting Assam to retransfer those portions back to Meghalaya and that is the main issue we are discussing,” he stated.
However, he acknowledged the complexity on the ground, where both Pnar and Karbi communities inhabit the disputed areas. “In the real border areas, there are overlapping claims. Sometimes one side claims a place, and then the other side does the same. These problems will persist until the committee from both states sits together and discusses the issues thoroughly.”
In light of past tensions and occasional skirmishes along the border, such as recent ones in Lapangap, Tynsong made a strong appeal to villagers and local stakeholders on both sides.
“My request to both Assam and Meghalaya is to maintain the status quo. I urge all concerned villages to create a conducive atmosphere so that unnecessary incidents do not recur,” he said.
Tynsong assured that both governments remain in touch and that timely discussions are being held at the district and police levels to ensure peace and cooperation along the border.
