Assam Government Optimistic About Resolving Border Disputes with Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh

The Assam government is optimistic about resolving long-standing border disputes with Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh through ongoing dialogue and joint consultations. Minister Atul Bora emphasized the commitment to negotiations, highlighting the establishment of regional committees and joint field visits. Recent developments include the reconstitution of committees by Meghalaya to expedite the resolution process. This follows a previous agreement that settled disputes in several sectors. The government aims to address remaining contentious areas, including Langpih, which has a history of violence. The collaborative approach seeks to foster consensus rather than conflict, marking a significant step towards peace in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 1, 2026, 14:34 IST

Progress in Interstate Border Disputes

A file image of leaders engaging in Assam-Meghalaya border talks. (AT Photo)

Guwahati/Shillong, July 1: The government of Assam is optimistic about the resolution of long-standing border disputes with Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, attributing progress to ongoing discussions and collaborative efforts.

During a recent visit to the Disoi Valley Reserved Forest along the Assam-Nagaland border in Mariani, Jorhat district, Assam's Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora stated that the state is dedicated to settling all interstate boundary issues through dialogue, reflecting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's commitment to negotiation.

“Chief Minister Sarma has always stressed the importance of resolving border conflicts with neighboring states through dialogue and discussion. Following this principle, we have engaged in talks regarding unresolved boundary matters with both Meghalaya and Arunachal. We are making strides towards a swift resolution. Regional committees have been established, joint field visits have occurred, reports have been compiled, and discussions have been held at the Chief Minister level,” Bora explained.

Bora highlighted that the structured approach adopted by Assam and its neighboring states, which includes regional committees, joint inspections, and consultations at the Chief Minister level, has fostered a collaborative atmosphere aimed at resolving disputes through consensus rather than conflict.

His comments coincided with the Meghalaya government's decision to reconstitute three regional committees tasked with reviewing six remaining areas of contention as part of Phase-II of the Assam-Meghalaya boundary settlement initiative.

The committees are expected to conduct field surveys and present their recommendations within 45 days to expedite negotiations over unresolved areas, including the conflict-prone Langpih region in West Khasi Hills and the Lapangap-Mukroh sector in West Jaintia Hills.

This development follows the signing of the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in March 2022 between Assam and Meghalaya, facilitated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which addressed disputes in six of the twelve contested sectors along the 884.9-km interstate boundary.

Under the initial agreement, disputes in areas such as Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilangkata, and Ratacherra, covering approximately 36.79 sq km of disputed territory, were resolved through mutual agreement. Assam retained about 18.28 sq km, while Meghalaya acquired roughly 18.51 sq km.

The remaining disputed areas include Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Deshdoomreah, Block-II, and Block-I/Psiar-Khanduli, along with the Lapangap-Mukroh sector.

As per a notification from Meghalaya Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong will lead the regional committee for Ri-Bhoi district to assess the Block-II area, while Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh will oversee the committee for Langpih.

Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar will chair the committee for West Jaintia Hills, which includes Block-I/Psiar-Khanduli and the Lapangap-Mukroh sector.

The committees are responsible for conducting joint inspections with their Assam counterparts, verifying village records, analyzing historical and demographic data, compiling an inventory of public assets, and consulting local residents and stakeholders before finalizing their reports.

The Assam-Meghalaya border dispute has a history of violent incidents, with Langpih being particularly sensitive following the tragic deaths of four Khasi villagers in an alleged police shooting by Assam Police during clashes in May 2010.