EXCLUSIVE
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Shillong, Sept 6: Senior Meghalaya BJP leader and Cabinet Minister AL Hek while talking exclusively to Meghalaya News 24, emphasized the importance of considering local perspectives before finalizing the resolution of the border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya. With the second phase of border talks between the two states set to resume next month, Hek highlighted that the resolution must come through mutual understanding between the states and input from the local populace.
“We want to resolve the interstate border dispute with Assam permanently. While the Chief Ministers of both states are having detailed discussions on the matter, my point is that we must take the views of the local people into consideration before finalizing or resolving the border problem,” Hek stated.
When asked about the timeline for resolving the dispute, Hek expressed optimism. “If both states can sit down amicably and take local views into account, this can be solved. There is no problem without a solution.”
Meanwhile, United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and former Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui while talking exclusively to Meghalaya News 24, acknowledged the progress made in the first phase of the talks, which resolved many issues. “I’m very glad that the first phase of the interstate border talks has been completed. While we can’t address all issues at once, most problems have been resolved. The government has started the process for the second phase, which is set to begin in October,” Rymbui noted.
He acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed hope that, with political will and local understanding, the long-standing border dispute could be settled. “Challenges are always there, but with the political will and the understanding of the people in the border areas, we hope we can resolve this long-pending issue.”
Regarding demands to revisit the agreement, Rymbui said, “We have to consider the issues that both governments have decided on. We can’t satisfy everyone, but for genuine issues that need to be revisited, the government will have an open mind to reconsider. However, in the first phase, the two governments were able to resolve most of the major problems.”
The second phase of talks will focus on resolving disputes in six key areas: Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Deshdoomreah, Block-I & Block-II, and Khanduli-Psiar. These areas have been long-standing points of contention, and the upcoming discussions aim to address them through mutual dialogue.