A final statement by Assam and Meghalaya governments on the six areas of differences will be made after a consultation with all stakeholders, which is expected to be complete by December 31.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma told reporters during a joint visit with his Assam counterpart, Himanta Biswa Sarma in Langpih today that the regional committees constituted to resolve the decades-long boundary dispute with Assam have been tasked to submit reports on their findings by November 30.
He said it is after the report and a consultation that a final statement will be issued on the six areas of differences.
This is the first time that the heads of the neighbouring states conducted a joint visit to Langpih, one of the areas of differences in the Assam-Meghalaya Border issue.
Sangma said the joint visit was a historic moment for both the states. “This was in itself a very positive step forward and sends forth a message of positivity, friendship, goodwill and the commitment of the government to the people of both the States that the governments of Assam and Meghalaya are serious about the issue,” he said.
Both the Chief Ministers arrived together in a helicopter from Guwahati and landed at Langpih market and addressed a massive gathering, which was attended by people from the adjoining areas.
“We are committed to discuss on the border differences and find ways to resolve this long pending issue,” the Chief Minister said at the meeting.
He stated that the people of Langpih area have suffered in the last 49 years because of the differences that exist.
Stating that the 12 area of differences between Assam – Meghalaya which included Langpih had seen violence and loss of previous lives, Sangma said, “Chief Minister of Assam and myself decided that we need to do something to resolve this border differences and find an amicable way forward”.
“It is a very complex issue, and people’s sentiment and emotions are involved, hence both of us agreed that together we have to find a way forward,” he said, adding, “If we don’t try and move forward we will be failing in our responsibility that you the people of Assam and Meghalaya have bestowed upon us.”
Sarma also termed the visit historic and said that the spirit of Northeast should be maintained as both the states resolve the border issues amicably.
He further said that in 1972, when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam, the border should have been demarcated but nonetheless, Assam has never opposed creation of any states carved out of Assam and the people of Assam loves to call themselves as Northeast. He said that people of Assam respect the spirit of Northeast and it is showcased in its culture.
“When Meghalaya was bifurcated from Assam, certain dispute stayed for long, which still existed. In 1972, if the border would have been demarcated, the history today would have been different,” he added.
“It is a fact that we have dispute on borders… that dispute is always becoming an irritating factor… in the spirit of Northeast… sometimes things goes beyond our control. After I assumed the office of Chief Minister, I have started talking with Meghalaya counterpart and I have been continuously engaging to resolve the dispute, so that we remain and maintain our age-old relationship,” Sarma said, while stating that Assam and Meghalaya can collectively set the tune of united Northeast for the benefit of entire region.
He said that there are 12 areas of differences and both the States are working to resolve the issues on a phase wise manner. He said that six areas of differences are being studied and that Langpih will be in the next phase. He said that their visit to Langpih is a confidence building measure and to tell the people that both the States are committed to resolve the issues.
He also said that both the states have agreed to ensure that the implementation of central government schemes will be executed in the area of differences in consultation with both the states, so that people are not deprived of development.
The chairmen of the regional committees constituted by both Assam and Meghalaya, chief secretaries of both the states, including senior officials were also present at the meeting.
The cultural display of Garos, Khasis and Gorkhas were showcased during the programme.
