Assam-Meghalaya to examine six areas of difference
Sarma & Sangma to visit Langpih in 30 days, three panels formed
Shillong, Aug 6: The Chief Minister-level talks on Assam– Meghalaya border held on Friday in Guwahati decided to examine first the six areas of difference.
The six areas are Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara– Philangkata and Ratachera.
The meeting also decided to form three regional committees comprising five members headed by cabinet ministers representing Ri Bhoi, West Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya and Cachar, Kamrup metro and Kamrup in Assam.
30 days’ time was given for the committees to visit the areas and submit the findings.
Meghalaya has already notified the committees.
The committee will focus on historical facts, ethnicity, administrative convenience, willingness and the overall sense of the people’s sentiments and contiguity.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that the six out of 12 areas are slightly less complicated, hence they will be taken up first.
He said that both the states have strong political will to find an amicable solution to these areas of differences.
“We have agreed that whatever we do, it must be done in a respectful manner and both the states need to respect each other. Today in the meeting, we had a detailed presentation given by the Government of Assam, on six areas of the differences that are there out of twelve. The strategy which both the state governments have agreed to follow, is to take up these matters in a phase-wise manner”, Conrad said.
While Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that once the six areas of difference are resolved, both the states will move forward to resolve other areas of differences.
In the next 30 days, the chief ministers of both the states will also jointly visit Langpih to send a message that both the states are keen to resolve all areas of differences between Assam and Meghalaya.
“We assure the people that both the states are committed to resolve the complicated issues as well. However, we will start from less complicated issues and will move towards more complicated issues,” Sarma said.
The Meghalaya delegation was led by Conrad.
Others present were Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, cabinet Ministers Sniawbhalang Dhar, Lahkmen Rymbui, Renikton Lyngdoh, Banteidor Lyngdoh, Hamletson Dohling, Brolding Nongsiej, Sanbor Shullai, Dasakhiat Lamare and Kyrmen Shylla.
The state government officials were also present.
