Shillong: Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Sosthenes Sohtun has emphasised the urgency of accelerating the second phase of border negotiations with Assam. Speaking today, Sohtun, a member of the regional committee, said ongoing discussions aim to fast-track the process, addressing concerns of residents living along the border and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We are in the second phase of border talks. I discussed with the regional committee chairman the possibility of expediting this phase so that all doubts of citizens residing on the border can be cleared. People there wish to live peacefully without any disturbances,” Sohtun stated.
The border dispute between Meghalaya and Assam, stretching over decades, involves 12 contested areas. In March 2022, the states signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) resolving six of these areas.
The current phase seeks to settle the remaining six areas, including Langpih, Borduar, Deshdoomreah, Block I-II, Psiar-Khanduli, and Nongwah-Mawtamur. In June, Chief Ministers Conrad K Sangma and Himanta Biswa Sarma met to discuss the issue, along with other bilateral matters.
They agreed to jointly commission a multi-purpose irrigation and hydroelectric project and tasked the North Eastern Space Applications Centre with studying urban flooding in Guwahati.
Efforts are also underway on the ground, with both states installing boundary pillars in the Hahim area to address the longstanding border dispute.
Also Read: How diplomatic tensions hit Northern Bengal tourism and medical services
Related
Latest Stories
