Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has said that while the situation along the Assam-Meghalaya border is currently under control, occasional flare-ups are to be expected due to the long-standing nature of the disputes.
Speaking on August 26, the Chief Minister described the boundary issue as a “complex matter with a deep-rooted history,” acknowledging that sporadic incidents persist despite government efforts to ease tensions.
The dispute between the two states, which dates back to the Assam Reorganisation (Meghalaya) Act of 1969, encompasses 12 contested stretches along the 884.9-km border. A significant step towards resolution was taken in 2022 when both states signed memorandums of understanding to settle six of these disputed areas. According to the Chief Minister, the governments of both states are committed to resolving the disputes through continued dialogue. The implementation of the 2022 agreements is already underway, with boundary pillars being installed in locations like Hahim.
Regional committees are now focusing on the remaining six disputed areas. These committees are engaging with local communities to find “mutually acceptable solutions” and ensure that disputes are addressed in a systematic and peaceful manner. Sangma also noted that the ongoing election period in Assam has led to a temporary reduction in tensions, and his government is utilising this period to strengthen dialogue and push forward with confidence-building measures. The Chief Minister emphasised that the government’s aim is to ensure long-lasting peace and allow people in the border areas to live without fear. He added that they want to engage with people at the right pace and in the right manner to tackle this complicated matter.
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