Shillong, Jun 30: The Meghalaya government has reconstituted three regional committees to examine the six unresolved sectors of its boundary dispute with Assam, including violence-hit Langpih in West Khasi Hills and the Lapangap-Mukroh in West Jaintia Hills district.
According to a notification issued by Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P. Ahammed on Tuesday, panels were directed to complete field surveys and submit their recommendations within 45 days.
The remaining six areas — Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Deshdoonreah, Block-II, and Block-I/Psiar-Khanduli, including the Lapangap-Mukroh sector, — were left for resolution in the second phase.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong will head the regional committee for Ri-Bhoi district to examine the disputed Block-II area.
Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh will lead the panel for Langpih, while Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar will head the committee for the West Jaintia Hills sector, covering Block-I and Psiar-Khanduli, including the Lapangap-Mukroh area.
The panels have been tasked with conducting joint field surveys with their Assam counterparts.
The committees are to verify village records, examine demographic and historical evidence, prepare an inventory of public assets, and consult residents and stakeholders, the Chief Secretary said.
The governments of Meghalaya and Assam had signed the first memorandum of understanding (MoU) in March 2022. In the MoU, six of the 12 areas of difference — Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilangkata and Ratacherra — involving around 36.79 sq km of disputed territory were resolved.
Meghalaya received about 18.51 sq km, while Assam retained about 18.28 sq km.
The remaining six areas — Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Deshdoonreah, Block-II, and Block-I/Psiar-Khanduli, including the Lapangap-Mukroh sector, — were left for resolution in the second phase.
