Survey of India: Conrad Sangma to inspect Assam-Meghalaya border

Shillong: The Survey of India has been asked to jointly inspect the interstate border with Assam and Meghalaya so that the map can be redrawn before the bill is tabled in Parliament, said Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma .

The two northeastern states recently signed a landmark agreement to end their 50-year-old dispute and resolve differences in six of the 12 territories.

He said the process would take some time, but “the important thing is that the ball has started rolling.”

The Chief Minister said that the exercise of confidence building between the two states would lay the groundwork for future engagements.

Referring to an incident of boundary pillars in the western Khasi Hills district, he said, “I brought the matter to the notice of the Chief Minister of Assam and he was very concerned and said it should not have happened. “Such incidents will not only disrupt the peace but also affect the proper implementation of the process. Both the states will ensure that the issue is resolved. The people of these areas should not be harmed.”

Asked when the two states would start talks to resolve the remaining six areas of the dispute, he said, “We will hold our breath for a while. Six months have passed. But I assure you that we will not waste any time because we want the momentum to continue with such an understanding between officials at all levels and the political leadership on both sides.

Sangma said the two state governments would soon move forward with the next phase of talks.

“However, I can’t give a date yet,” he said.

On the allegation that the agreement was hastily signed, the Chief Minister said that it was unfortunate that the opposition raised the issue.

Talks were held at the grassroots level and the solution came out of the will of the people. If there are concerns, we are ready to explain them all, but the majority of stakeholders are happy with how we have taken this process forward, “he said.

The Chief Minister said that the opposition should understand that they do not need to oppose every action of the government and instead work with the administration in the interest of the state and the people.

“We must remain united because people, especially those living in the border areas, have been suffering for a very long time. It cannot go on forever. So, we have decided that we will find a solution. I am happy. We have resolved the dispute in six areas and hopefully we will be able to move forward in the other six areas.