Assam-Meghalaya Border Dispute Resolution: Second MoU Expected to Be Signed by August 15
A second MoU is expected to be signed between Assam and Meghalaya to resolve the border dispute before August 15, following the first pact signed in 2022. The agreement aims to bring five new villages under Meghalaya's jurisdiction along the disputed boundary.
In a significant step towards resolving the long-standing border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya, MD Govt spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh stated that a second MoU is expected to be signed between the two states before August 15. This comes after the first pact signed in 2022, which resolved issues in six out of 12 contentious areas along the interstate boundary.
Lyngdoh, also a cabinet minister in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance, mentioned, 'The proposed agreement is expected to bring five new villages along the disputed block in Ri-Bhoi district under Meghalaya's jurisdiction.' He added, 'This is a significant step forward in resolving the border dispute. The inclusion of these villages is a result of sustained engagement and negotiation with the Assam government.'
The announcement comes amidst skirmishes along the interstate border in West Jaintia Hills district earlier this week, where villagers of Lapanag razed tree plantations initiated by Assam's Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council allegedly in violation of a status quo order. Following the incident, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong stated that the state government decided to post a police team at the village to maintain peace.
According to Lyngdoh, the two state governments have also made notable progress in border negotiations in other disputed sectors. 'In the Langpih area, a final solution is at arm's length but for a joint inspection to be conducted by the border committees. We are awaiting confirmation from our Assam counterpart headed by Mr. Patowari,' he said. On the disputed Jaintia Hills sector, the minister said a resolution was also within reach.
Emphasizing that the MD Govt is taking concrete action to end the border impasse, Lyngdoh said, 'This government is committed to protecting Meghalaya's territorial interests and ensuring that our boundaries are respected.'
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