SHILLONG : The ongoing dialogue between Meghalaya and Assam over the interstate boundary dispute has been temporarily put on hold, with Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar stating that talks will resume only after a new government is formed in Assam.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Dhar said that discussions between the two states are part of a continuous process, but the next round will depend on developments in Assam following the formation of its new government.
He explained that Meghalaya is currently awaiting clarity from the Assam side, particularly regarding the constitution of regional committees that play a key role in the negotiations. According to Dhar, the absence of a newly formed government in Assam means there is no confirmation yet on who will lead the discussions from their side.
He added that once the new government is in place, it will take a decision on forming the regional committees, after which dialogue between the two states can resume.
On the timeline for resolving the long-standing border dispute, Dhar said there is no fixed deadline, including whether it could be settled before the 2028 Meghalaya Assembly elections.
He acknowledged that while both states are making efforts to resolve the issue at the earliest, it remains a complex matter involving multiple stakeholders and cannot be resolved easily within a set timeframe.
Dhar reiterated that both Meghalaya and Assam are committed to finding a solution, but cautioned that it is difficult to predict whether the dispute can be settled within months or may take several years.