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SHILLONG: The Meghalaya unit of the BJP has urged the state government to take a more proactive stance in addressing the long-standing border dispute with Assam. The Meghalaya BJP accused Assam, also governed by the BJP, of being unwilling to engage in talks to resolve the remaining disputed issues.
BJP spokesperson M Kharkrang stated that Assam’s claims over the disputed areas have reduced its willingness to engage in talks. Kharkrang highlighted that the Assam government’s extensive developmental activities in these regions have further strengthened its presence.
Kharkrang mentioned that the first phase of the dispute was resolved in six locations because Assam had fewer claims in those areas. However, the second round of discussions has stalled, with Assam allegedly showing little interest in engaging with regional committees assigned to consult local stakeholders.
The border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya dates back to 1972, when Meghalaya was granted full statehood. The two states share an 885 km border, with 12 points of dispute. Despite attempts to resolve the issue, including a historic agreement in March 2022, the dispute remains unresolved.
Meanwhile earlier this month, the Meghalaya government expressed disappointment over Assam’s lack of enthusiasm in resuming talks to resolve their ongoing border disputes in the second phase.
“We had conveyed our concerns to our counterparts in Assam,” stated Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh, who also chaired the West Khasi Hills regional committee. He added that the Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills had raised the matter with his counterpart in Kamrup.
