Guwahati, 29 May (HS): Assam and Meghalaya renewed their commitment to resolving the decades-old inter-state boundary dispute, with both governments agreeing to expedite the ongoing demarcation process for a permanent settlement.

The decision was taken during a high-level bilateral meeting held at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati, where Assam Chief Minister hosted Meghalaya Chief Minister. The meeting marked the resumption of formal discussions after the formation of the new government in Assam.

During the talks, the two chief ministers reviewed the progress made in the second phase of the border settlement process and agreed to intensify field-level surveys and administrative coordination in the remaining disputed sectors spread across the 884-km-long interstate boundary.

Apart from the boundary issue, both sides also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure development, connectivity, trade and regional economic growth. The leaders stressed the importance of coordinated efforts between neighbouring northeastern states to accelerate development and improve regional integration.

Speaking after the meeting, Chief Minister Sarma said Assam and Meghalaya are working together to unlock the economic and developmental potential of the Northeast in line with the Centre’s vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat”.

The Assam-Meghalaya border dispute dates back to 1972, when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam. A major breakthrough was achieved in March 2022 when the two states signed a Memorandum of Understanding in New Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister , resolving differences in six of the 12 disputed sectors.

The meeting is being viewed as another significant step towards settling the remaining six areas of dispute and bringing a lasting resolution to one of the Northeast’s oldest boundary issues.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash