Talks to Resolve Assam-Meghalaya Border Disputes Likely in October

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced that formal talks to resolve border disputes with Assam are expected to occur in October. Discussions will cover six complicated areas to ensure no oversight. Assam and Meghalaya, with a longstanding dispute across 12 areas, signed an agreement in 2022 resolving six of these disputes.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced on Friday that the upcoming formal discussions aimed at resolving the border disputes with Assam are likely to happen in October.

He emphasized the necessity of thorough discussions to avoid any oversight, especially over the complicated areas of conflict between the two states.

''Regarding border differences, we have been having regular meetings. Unofficially also, I had multiple discussions with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma,'' said Sangma in Guwahati.

He mentioned that it has been decided to hold the dialogue soon, with the next round tentatively scheduled for October.

''Some areas are very, very complicated. We have to ensure that we discuss in minute details,'' Sangma added, referencing the six remaining disputed locations.

Assam and Meghalaya share a historically contentious border dispute over 12 areas along their 884.9-km boundary. An agreement was signed in March 2022 in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing disputes in six areas. Out of the initial 36.79 sq km for settlement, Assam received 18.46 sq km while Meghalaya got 18.33 sq km.

The remaining unresolved disputes, being more complex, will be addressed in the upcoming phase. Meghalaya was separated from Assam in 1972.

(With inputs from agencies.)