Guwahati: Battling Boundary Blues
Contentious Regions to Witness Installation of Border Markers in 5 Disagreed-Upon Zones Along Assam-Meghalaya Frontier
In a commendable move towards settling longstanding friction over territory lines, Assam and Meghalaya are all set to plant border markers in five contested areas by Independence Day, their leaders announced on Monday.
These spots are among the six being targeted for resolution, following an agreement signed between the two states in March 2022, they added.
Chief Ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma and Conrad Sangma, speaking at a press gathering post their meeting on mutual issues, shared this optimistic update.
"Five out of the six areas we agreed upon will witness border markers by August 15," said Sarma. However, he also mentioned a minor disagreement in one of these areas. Meghalaya insists on a village under Assam’s control, assuring they'd grant an equal amount of land in return. Sarma requested a week to mull over this, he stated.
The sixth area, Pilingkata, remains a topic of divergent views. "Deputy commissioners from both states will chat it out," Sarma concluded.
Sangma concurred, anticipating border markers to be erected in the five areas by Independence Day. "Resolving border disputes in a phased manner marks a significant stride in our relationship," he emphasized.
The duo agreed to continue discussions on the remaining six contested zones, but no pace-setting timeline has been established.
On the 55MW Kulsi multi-purpose project situated along the inter-state border, they affirmed a joint approach. "Kulsi promises victory for both states. We've agreed to collaborate, conditionally ensuring that the local populace is taken into account," Sangma stated.
Sarma added that the pair would jointly tackle the hydel project, while the Assam government will advance the irrigation part of this multi-purpose project, bringing benefits to major sections of Kamrup and Golapara districts in the downstream areas.
The border tussle between Assam and Meghalaya dates back to the 12 areas along the 884.9-kilometer-long interstate boundary. A deal was struck in March 2022 in New Delhi, aiming to resolve disputes in six areas in the first phase.
From the initial 36.79 square kilometers of contested territories taken up for settlement, Assam secured 18.46 square kilometers, and Meghalaya reaped 18.33 square kilometers[1][6][7].
Meghalaya emerged as an independent state in 1972 and has since disputed the Assam Reorganisation Act, 1971, which Assam considers its border boundary[7].
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by our team and is published from a syndicated feed.)
[1] - The Indian Express: Assam, Meghalaya to ease border dispute, settle six sites by March 16, 2022
[2] - Hindustan Times: Meghalaya, Assam to start Joint Task Forces to secure border, February 17, 2022
[3] - NDTV: Assam, Meghalaya to set up border security forces, February 17, 2022
[4] - The Hindu: Assam, Meghalaya to hold talks to boost security along border, February 16, 2022
[5] - The North East Today: Assam links Rohingya refugee issue with Meghalaya border disputes, December 23, 2022
[6] - The Wire: Reckoning with the 53-year-old Assam-Meghalaya border dispute, December 26, 2022
[7] - The Quint: Assam Meghalaya Border Dispute: Timeline of Contentions, January 13, 2023
- The optimistic announcement about planting border markers in five contested areas by Independence Day could potentially minimize the impacts of war-and-conflicts, as these disputes have been long-standing issues linked to migration and politics.
- As policy-and-legislation play a crucial role in resolving border disputes, the continued discussions between the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya on the remaining six contested zones indicate a significant focus on general news and local governance, aiming to find long-lasting solutions and ensure peaceful coexistence.
