In a step forward to resolve the long-pending Meghalaya-Assam border dispute, survey teams and administrative officers from both the states have started the process of installing border pillars.
Yesterday teams from both the states started the installation of border pillars along the inter-state boundary in the Hahim area of Boko under Assam’s Kamrup district.
Pillars are being installed along the banks of the Gijang and Tirchang rivers. This initiative covers several areas, including Rangthali, Umshek, Maspara, Malapara, Ranighar, Salpara, Thutia Bazaar and Rangsapara in an attempt to demarcate and stabilize the boundary between the two states.
Officials also informed that a joint survey team from Assam and Meghalaya will soon conduct a survey in the Gizang area near Hahim to install border pillars.
This area has experienced tensions and conflicts due to the longstanding border dispute between the two states, which began when Meghalaya was separated from Assam in 1972.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma led discussions between the two states, identifying 12 border areas in dispute.
In the first phase, six areas were resolved on March 29, 2022, including Hahim, Gijang, Tarabari, Bakalapara, Khanapara-Pilinkata, and Ratachera, covering districts in both Assam and Meghalaya.
The Assam and Meghalaya governments have decided to install border pillars in areas where the border dispute has been resolved, ahead of Independence Day, this year following a meeting between the two chief ministers on June 2.
The Meghalaya government also announced that the plans to sign an agreement before August 15 to resolve a part of the long-standing border dispute with Assam is expected to facilitate the return of five villages to Ri-Bhoi district.
Under the first-phase settlement covering 36.79 sq km of disputed land, Assam received 18.46 sq km, while Meghalaya got 18.33 sq km. The remaining six areas, where the differences are more complex, are now being addressed in the second phase.
The second phase of the border talks covers Block I, Psiar-Khanduli in West Jaintia Hills; Block II, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, and Deshdoomreah in Ri-Bhoi and Langpih in West Khasi Hills district.
