Meghalaya Ready for Next Round of Assam Border Talks
Preparation for Border Discussions
A file image of leaders engaging in Assam-Meghalaya border talks. (AT Photo)
Shillong, Aug 6: Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Sniawbhalang Dhar, who also leads the West Jaintia Hills Regional Committee, announced that the state is ready for the upcoming round of border negotiations with Assam. However, they are currently waiting for the appointment of the regional committee chairman from Assam.
“We are anticipating an official notification from Assam regarding their appointed chairman. Once they finalize their committee head, we can proceed with our meeting,” Dhar stated.
Regarding the reports for villages in Block I, he mentioned that both states are in the process of finalizing their respective submissions. “Both states need to submit their reports. Areas of disagreement will always be part of the discussions, and we will address them accordingly,” he added.
Dhar indicated that the matter has been presented to the joint committees formed by both state governments.
“We have referred this issue to the committees established by both states. Therefore, these committees will have the authority to make decisions regarding border matters,” he explained.
Meghalaya has nearly completed the necessary groundwork concerning the request to retransfer Block I back to the state, according to Dhar.
“We have conducted all necessary preparations on our end. The officers are close to finalizing their work. Once all reports are compiled, we will first discuss them internally within the state before informing Assam. After Assam forms its committee, both committees will convene to make decisions,” he noted.
On the topic of the Khasi-Pnar dominated villages within the disputed region, Dhar confirmed that the district administration possesses the relevant information. “The district commissioner has the necessary details regarding the areas of contention,” he stated.