The Chief Ministers of Meghalaya and Assam held a fourth meeting to discuss a resolution to the vexed border dispute, with just days remaining until Meghalaya celebrates 50 years of statehood.
The meeting was held in Guwahati today afternoon.
Both sides are tackling the dispute in six less complicated areas of difference-Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilangkata and Ratacherra-with the remaining six to be sorted out later. The state government is hoping to get a deal agreed by January 21, which is Meghalaya Day.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma was accompanied by Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong, Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui and senior civil servants.
Tynsong said that the meeting was a positive one and an agreement is within reach.
The next and final meeting to sort out the dispute in the six areas will take place sometime in the next few days, followed by a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Tynsong informed that before January 21 they may be able to come to a final conclusion and will be made public.
Earlier, the six regional committees – three each from Meghalaya and Assam – submitted their reports to their respective Chief Ministers after conducting field visits and inspections and a series of discussions was carried out.
