Assam and Meghalaya Begin Installation of Border Pillars to Resolve Dispute
Border Pillar Installation Underway
Boko, July 3: On Wednesday, survey teams along with administrative officials from Assam and Meghalaya commenced the installation of border pillars in the Hahim region of Boko, located in the Kamrup district.
The pillars are being positioned along the banks of the Gijang and Tirchang rivers, encompassing areas such as Rangthali, Umshek (Mathapota), Maspara, Malapara, Ranighar, Salpara, Thutia Bazaar, and Rangsapara. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by both state governments to address their long-standing boundary conflict.
An official indicated that teams from both states will soon conduct a survey in the Gijang area adjacent to Hahim for further border pillar installations.
Since Meghalaya was established as a separate state from Assam in 1972, these regions have experienced various incidents related to the border dispute.
Following multiple discussions led by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, twelve segments along the border were recognized as 'areas of difference.' Six of these were resolved in the initial phase on March 29, 2022, which included Hahim, Gijang, Tarabari, Bakalapara, Khanapara-Pilinkata, and Ratachera, spanning Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), and Cachar districts of Assam, as well as West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, and East Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya.
In June 2021, both states embraced a 'give-and-take' approach to initiate the resolution of the boundary dispute by forming three regional committees each. This led to an agreement signed on March 29, 2022, in New Delhi, in the presence of the Union Home Minister, which addressed the border dispute in six sectors.
Today's progress follows a commitment made by the two chief ministers on June 2 to establish border pillars in the resolved areas before Independence Day this year.
Local residents have expressed their appreciation for the government's actions, considering the installation of border pillars a significant milestone.