Meghalaya Minister Addresses Ongoing Border Disputes with Assam

Border Tensions Between Meghalaya and Assam

Shillong, May 20: Wailadmiki Shylla, a minister in the Meghalaya Cabinet, stated today that the ongoing skirmishes along the Meghalaya-Assam border are largely attributed to the inconsistent positions taken by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).

Shylla mentioned that discussions are underway to address the issues in the border regions, particularly in the contested Lapangap village.

The Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police from West Jaintia Hills district are maintaining regular communication with their counterparts in West Karbi Anglong regarding this matter.

However, the minister claimed that local residents in Karbi Anglong frequently violate official agreements.

“The statements from the Karbi Anglong district council have been inconsistent,” Shylla remarked. He noted that during negotiations, they often reach a verbal consensus, but the KAAC alters its position shortly thereafter. “This is the challenge we are currently facing,” he added.

In the meantime, Shylla expressed optimism that the second round of discussions with the new Assam Government would commence soon, aiming to resolve disputes in the remaining six areas.

Reiterating the MDA Government's commitment to settling the boundary conflict with Assam, Shylla stated: “Our goal is to achieve a complete resolution. While it is a challenging task, the Government is dedicated to it.”