The Chief Minister-level border talks between Assam and Meghalaya on Saturday finalised the boundary line at Hahim sector, one of the six areas of difference that have been resolved in the first phase of border talks even as they agreed to deploy a ‘neutral force’ in the other remaining areas of difference, where frequent tension erupted.
Addressing media persons, Conrad K Sangma said, “We are happy to inform the people of both Assam and Meghalaya that after a very long drawn exercise, we are now on the verge of finalising the actual pillars and the actual boundary lines in the first six areas of difference, which we have signed the MoU in the presence of the Union home minister Amit Shah (on March 29, last year).”
“Today in the meeting, we have approved and given a green signal for the Hahim sector where the surveys have been conducted along with the Assam and Meghalaya state officials and we are happy to announced that the lines have been finalised,” he said.
Sangma said instructions have been given that the actual line and demarcation for the other five areas (Upper Tarabari, Gizang, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilingkata and Ratachera) by the Survey of India along with officials of both the States should be completed by December 31.
He said the two States are also moving very aggressively to resolve the remaining areas of difference. The Meghalaya CM said, “We are moving very fast in three areas (which we will mentioned later to the press) and we have asked the regional committees of both the states to come to a conclusion at the earliest.”
He said that the meeting had also expressed concern over the recent incidents of violence at the disputed Block-I and Khanduli-Psiar area in West Jaintia Hills District and Karbi Anglong District.
Speaking to reporters, Himanta Biswa Sarma said informed that the Survey of India has completed their surveys in Hahim sector and now border pillars will be erected and both the state governments have accepted the position.
“Today the Survey of India officials were there and we have requested them to quickly complete the survey for the other five areas before December 31,” he said.
The Assam CM said, “There are some problems in one village Mallang Salbari. We have asked Assam side to be a little bit flexible while demarcating the border so that local people do not unnecessary tense and we can resolve peacefully. Whatever little bit flexibility we have shown in Tarabari, Assam will show but let us quickly finish the border pillar activity in six agreed areas.”
“We also hope to visit Khanduli-Psiar area in the last week of October and then carry forward the discussion in next 2 months so that at least in three disputed areas out of 6 we can show some positive results. Other 3 when will visit then we will talk to local people and will try to make an environment so that ultimate rest 3 also we will be able to resolve,” he said.