The second phase of boundary talks between Meghalaya and Assam to resolve the border dispute in the six remaining areas of differences will begin in April or May.
This was informed by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today in the Assembly.
“After the (Assembly) session is over, the talks will resume in April or May. Detailed consultations should take place at ground zero to try and understand all issues of the people,” Sangma said in his reply to the Governor’s address.
He also informed the Assembly that regional committees comprising ministers and MLAs for six areas in Ri-Bhoi, West Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills districts have also been appointed to take the second phase of border talks forward. The committees had to be rejigged to reflect changes in the Assembly membership brought about by the recent state elections.
For Ri-Bhoi, the regional committee is headed by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong while the members include MLAs Sosthenes Sohtun, Mayralborn syiem, Damanbait Lamare, Charles Marngar, KHADC MDC Jambor War. The Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi is the member convener.
Cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh will be the chairperson of the West Khasi Hills regional committee while the members include MLAs Renikton Tongkhar, Methodius Dkhar, Remington Gabil Momin, KHADC MDCs Gigur Myrthong and Bajop Pyngrope. The West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner is the member convener.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar will head the regional committee of West Jaintia Hills and the members are MLAs Comingone Ymbon, Lahkmen Rymbui, Nujorki Sungoh, JHADC Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat and MDC Aiborlang Shadap. The Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills is the member convener.
The remaining six disputed border areas between the two north-eastern states are in Block-I in West Jaintia Hills district, Block-II in Ri-Bhoi and Langpih in West Khasi Hills.
