Meghalaya CM Addresses Ongoing Border Disputes with Assam

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has provided an update on the border situation with Assam, indicating that while tensions are currently manageable, sporadic incidents may still occur due to historical disputes. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and community involvement in resolving these issues. Recent agreements have been made to demarcate certain areas, but challenges remain. The CM's comments come amid a backdrop of rising tensions in specific regions, prompting joint surveys by officials from both states. The ongoing efforts aim to ensure lasting peace and stability for residents in these contested areas.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 27, 2025, 10:46 IST

Current Status of Border Tensions

Shillong, August 27: The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, has stated that the situation along the state's border with Assam is stable, although he warned that isolated incidents may continue due to longstanding territorial disputes.

Sangma characterized the boundary conflicts as "a multifaceted issue with historical roots." He noted that when confrontations arise, the government, supported by the public, has been able to mitigate these tensions to a degree.

He mentioned that both states' administrations are actively working to resolve these disputes through dialogue. In 2022, Assam and Meghalaya formalized agreements to delineate six disputed areas, marking a crucial step towards achieving peace.

As part of these agreements, boundary pillars have been installed in locations like Hahim.

To tackle the remaining six areas of contention, regional committees have been established to engage local communities and find mutually agreeable solutions.

According to the Chief Minister, these committees will facilitate ongoing discussions and ensure that disputes are resolved in a structured and peaceful manner.

He also pointed out that the upcoming elections in Assam have led to a temporary reduction in tensions, and his administration is focused on capitalizing on this period of tranquility.

"The situation is intricate, and we aim to interact with the community at an appropriate pace and in a suitable manner. Our goal is to foster enduring peace and enable residents in these regions to live without fear," he remarked.

Sangma's remarks follow rising tensions in various disputed territories along the interstate border, particularly in Boko’s Tarabari.

Although the Nam-Tarabari and Upper Tarabari regions are geographically part of Assam, they have been claimed by certain groups from Meghalaya for a long time.

On August 10, in response to reports of increasing unrest, officials from both Assam and Meghalaya conducted a joint survey of the area.

During the inspection, Kamrup District Commissioner Deba Kumar Mishra stated that the team not only surveyed the disputed regions but also engaged with local residents to understand their concerns.

Just three days prior, on August 7, Shillong MP Ricky Syngkon had appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to halt the installation of border pillars that demarcate the boundary between Meghalaya and Assam as part of the agreement aimed at resolving the border dispute.

The conflict between Assam and Meghalaya traces back to the Assam Reorganisation (Meghalaya) Act of 1969 and involves 12 disputed segments along the 884.9-km border separating the two states.

While six areas of dispute were settled under the 2022 agreement, the remaining six are currently being addressed in a subsequent phase.