News Reporter
Guwahati, Assam - September 30, 2023: In a significant step towards resolving long-standing border disputes and fostering peace, the Chief Ministers of Meghalaya and Assam, Shri Conrad K Sangma and Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, engaged in a constructive dialogue that promises a brighter future for the region. The discussions and agreements made during their recent interactions have set a positive tone for the Meghalaya-Assam border regions.
Mutual Commitments and Collaborative Efforts
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media platform X to express his appreciation for the fruitful discussions held with his counterpart, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. Their meeting resulted in several important agreements:
1. CBI Investigation for Mukroh Incident: One of the key takeaways from their discussions was the decision to hand over the Mukroh incident to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This move signifies a commitment to impartiality and transparency in resolving sensitive matters.
2. Joint Visit to Khanduli Outpost: The Chief Ministers have also jointly planned a visit to the Khanduli outpost. This visit aims to assess the situation on the ground, fostering a hands-on approach to addressing border issues and ensuring peace and security.
3. Boundary Dispute Resolution: Both leaders have set a determined goal to bring an end to all boundary disputes between Meghalaya and Assam by December 31, 2023. This ambitious timeline underscores their dedication to finding amicable solutions to these longstanding issues.
Phased Progress Towards Border Resolution
In a separate social media post on X, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma provided an update on the ongoing efforts to resolve the Meghalaya-Assam border differences:
1. Boundary Resolution in Phase I: The Governments of Meghalaya and Assam are working closely to finalize the posts and boundary lines in the first six areas of differences in Phase I. They have successfully approved the boundary line for the Hahim sector and are committed to completing the demarcation process for these areas by December 31, 2023.
2. Focus on Phase II: The leaders have also addressed the remaining six areas of differences in Phase II of the border talks. Substantial progress has been made in three of these areas, with Regional Committees instructed to expedite their conclusions.
3. Enhancing Law and Order: Chief Ministers Sangma and Sarma have shown a united front in addressing recent law and order issues in Block 1 (Khanduli & Psiar) Area. They have decided to withdraw State Police forces from these areas and deploy CRPF personnel instead. This strategic move aims to build confidence among the local population.
4. CBI Investigation for Mukroh Firing Incident: To ensure an impartial inquiry, both State Governments have resolved to replace the Judicial Commission with a CBI investigation into the Mukroh Firing Incident. This decision underscores their commitment to uncovering the truth.
As a testament to their dedication to resolving these issues, Chief Ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma and Conrad K Sangma have announced their plans to visit Psiar and Khanduli in October of this year. These visits will further demonstrate their commitment to fostering peace and unity in the border regions.
This collaborative and resolute approach by the leaders of Meghalaya and Assam is a beacon of hope for lasting peace and prosperity in the region. Their efforts reflect a commitment to constructive dialogue, impartial investigations, and the well-being of the people living in these border areas.