Shillong, Aug 26: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday said the government is focussed on containing border flare-ups and in finding long-term solutions.
Speaking to reporters on the recent clash at Maikhuli along the Meghalaya-Assam border, he said such incidents are “natural” in disputed areas.
“In border areas, situations are bound to erupt as it is an emotional issue. At that point of time, there was concern, but the administrations of both states and the local people have worked together to ease tensions. These issues have been there for 52–53 years, so we cannot expect everything to change overnight.”
“What is important is our ability to respond and resolve. For now, the situation at Maikhuli is under control,” he added.
On the border talks with Assam, the Chief Minister said there has been a temporary lull due to elections in the neighbouring state. However, he pointed out that the present government has taken significant steps compared to the past.
“For 46 years there was no real movement, but we started the talks. It’s a complicated matter, so it has to be taken up at the right pace and in the right way. For the first time, there is a government sincerely working towards this. Maybe not all issues can be solved, but we are committed to making progress,” Sangma said.
He further added that the ultimate goal is to ensure lasting peace and stability for people living in the border areas. “There will always be confrontations, but overall, we are moving in the right direction,” the CM said.
