Meghalaya and Assam to Resume Border Talks After Elections

Meghalaya's Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has announced that talks regarding the long-standing border dispute with Assam will only resume after the formation of a new government in Assam. The discussions are contingent on the establishment of committees from Assam following the recent Assembly elections. While both states are committed to resolving the issue, Dhar emphasized the complexity of the matter and the absence of a fixed timeline. Additionally, he provided updates on the expansion of Shillong airport, confirming that construction is expected to begin soon and be completed within 18 months. The article highlights the ongoing efforts to address the border dispute and infrastructure developments in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 22, 2026, 11:49 IST

Border Dispute Dialogue on Hold

File image of Assam Police at vigil in an Assam-Meghalaya border village, near West Karbi Anglong district. (File photo)

Shillong, April 22: Sniawbhalang Dhar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, announced that discussions regarding the long-standing border dispute with Assam will only recommence once a new government is established in Assam.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Dhar emphasized that the next phase of talks hinges on Assam forming its committee post-Assembly elections.

“Engagement with our counterparts is an ongoing process. We should wait until Assam's new government is in place to continue our discussions. This is quite clear,” he stated.

Dhar mentioned that Meghalaya is currently awaiting information regarding Assam's representatives for the negotiations.

“At this moment, we are uncertain about who will lead their side as the new government has yet to be formed,” he added.

Assam held elections for its 126-member Assembly on April 9, with vote counting set for May 4.

When questioned about the possibility of resolving the border issue before the Meghalaya Assembly elections in 2028, Dhar noted that there is no specific timeline, although both states are eager to address the matter promptly.

“We are consistently working towards a resolution. Since this involves both states, we aim to resolve it as soon as possible, but it is a complex issue,” he remarked.

“I cannot guarantee a solution in two months or two years, but we will strive to resolve it at the earliest opportunity,” he added.

In 2022, the two Northeastern states signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) concerning six of the twelve disputed areas along their border, marking significant progress in resolving decades of territorial disputes.

Regarding the expansion of Shillong airport, Dhar confirmed that the tender for the project has been awarded, and construction is anticipated to commence soon.

He indicated that the project is expected to be completed within 18 months.

“We will see. The contractor's completion timeline is set for 18 months,” Dhar stated.

He also mentioned that the state government is inquiring with the Centre about the contractor and the construction details.

“I have instructed the Commissioner of Transport to reach out to them, as we want to know who the contractor is and the specifics of the construction. We may have information next month regarding the contractor, their rates, and the expected completion time,” he concluded.