Meghalaya has still yet to receive a response from the Assam government regarding the second phase of the border talks, which have been stalled for several months now.
“As a member of the border committee, along with the West Khasi Hills regional chairman Paul Lyngdoh, we have done our best but we have yet to receive any response from Assam,” Rambrai-Jyrngam MDC Bajop Pyngrope told Highland Post.
With the recent by-elections completed, Pyngrope expressed hope that discussions regarding the boundary will take place soon, noting that the Chief Minister is also actively working on the issue.
One or more excuses have been used to delay the second phase by more than a year, ranging from Lok Sabha elections and flooding to puja holidays.
When asked about the situation on the ground, particularly in the Langpih sector, Pyngrope mentioned that the residents are also looking forward to a visit from the respective states’ boundary committees.
The West Khasi Hills committee has submitted a list of villages to the Assam government indicating their desire to be included under Meghalaya. “In the Langpih sector, there are approximately 298 sq km with about half of this area having residents who vote in Meghalaya and the other half in Assam. Therefore, we hope that any settlement will be made according to the legislative assembly constituency and the villages under it,” Pyngrope added.
