Phrase 2 of border talks with Meghalaya to begin on June-July: Assam CM

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• Apr 9, 2022 | Dhupali Das

A few days ago, Assam and Meghalaya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to settle the dispute in six of the twelve areas of contention.

Digital Desk: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed on Wednesday that phase two of border talks to settle the remaining six points of contention with Meghalaya would begin in June-July.

The Assam chief minister made the remarks today on the sidelines of a passing out parade at NEPA, Umiam in Meghalaya.

"We expect to start conversations on the other six points of disagreement in June and July," CM Sarma told reporters.

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A few days ago, Assam and Meghalaya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to settle the dispute in six of the twelve areas of contention.

CM Sarma also stated that the Survey of India has already begun work on the six areas that have been agreed upon between the two states.

"As per MoU, they (Survey of India) will install border pillars, and then the entire agreement will be formalised," CM Sarma stated.

However, in response to the opposition's demand that the border agreement be reviewed, CM Sarma stated that the two states should not reopen the matter.

Moreover, CM Sarma admitted that phase two of border talks would be difficult.

"Second phase is the most complex and congested area since it has Langpih, Block I and Block II," he stated.

Further, CM Sarma stated that generosity had been established between Assam and Meghalaya.

"At the very basic level, the governments and citizens of Assam and Meghalaya are no longer speaking in terms of the dispute. They are referring to conflict resolution. So, relying on whatever we have in the first phase, we will begin a conversation for the second phase, and I am confident that at some point, we can have a resolution on the six as well; however, how and when it will end is tough to predict right now," added CM Sarma.