Meghalaya Minister Paul Lyngdoh Concerned Over Lack of Progress in Border Talks with Assam, Says Assam’s Response ‘Not Encouraging’

Earlier, the two governments had signed an agreement to resolve their 50-year-old border disputes in six of the 12 areas.

Meghalaya cabinet minister and Chairman of the Regional Committee for West Khasi Hills Paul Lyngdoh has expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in the ongoing interstate border discussions with Assam. He described the response from the neighbouring state as “not encouraging.”

Speaking on the matter, Lyngdoh stated, “This sentiment was also conveyed to our counterpart in Assam. At the district level, the Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills has taken up the matter with the Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup District. I have personally taken it up with the Chairman of the Regional Committee for Kamrup (Rural), Mr. Patowary. However, so far, the response has not been encouraging.”

Despite these challenges, Lyngdoh emphasised the importance of maintaining talk. “We would like the conversations to continue, and hopefully, we should be in a position to do that soon,” he added.

Resolving the border issues remains a priority for the region, with stakeholders committed to sustained dialogue in hopes of achieving a positive resolution.

Earlier, the two governments had signed an agreement to resolve their 50-year-old border disputes in six of the 12 areas. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had then described it as a “historic day” for the Northeast.

The two states had agreed to address the disputes in a phase-wise manner.

In the first phase, the disputes were resolved in Gizang, Tarabari, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilangkata, Ratacherra,  and Hahim, considered less sensitive, in March 2023.

According to the agreement, Assam would retain 18.51 sq km of the total 36.79 sq km of disputed land in these areas.

The disputes in the second phase will be resolved in Langpih, Borduar, Deshdoomreah, Block I-II, Psiar-Khanduli, and Nongwah-Mawtamur (Garbhanga).

Also Read: Assam-Meghalaya Border Dispute: Waiting for Assam’s Response, Says Meghalaya Minister Paul Lyngdoh

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