Shillong : The second phase of the Assam-Meghalaya border talks concerning six remaining areas of difference has been temporarily put on hold and will resume only after the expansion of the Assam Cabinet, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said on Wednesday.
Responding to queries from reporters, Tynsong explained that the process is awaiting the reconstitution of ministerial responsibilities in Assam before further discussions can take place.
According to the Deputy Chief Minister, both states are keen to continue the dialogue, but the Assam government has requested Meghalaya to wait until the cabinet expansion is completed.
Tynsong said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has already expressed his willingness to move forward with the next phase of discussions and joint inspections by the regional committees once the cabinet reshuffle is finalized.
He stated that the delay is necessary to ensure that the ministers who will be entrusted with the responsibility of handling the border issue are included in the regional committees representing Assam.
The second phase of the border negotiations covers six unresolved areas of difference between the two neighbouring states — Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Desh Doomreah, Block-I & Block-II, and Psiar-Khanduli.
The Assam-Meghalaya border dispute has remained a longstanding issue since Meghalaya attained statehood in 1972. Significant progress was achieved during the first phase of talks, which culminated in the signing of an agreement in March 2022 resolving disputes in six of the twelve contested areas.
Both governments have repeatedly expressed confidence that the remaining areas can also be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.