Shillong: Over a year has passed since the second phase of border talks to resolve the dispute between Assam and Meghalaya was halted, leading to frequent skirmishes along the disputed areas. Regional Committee member Mayralborn Syiem has asserted that they will not cede even an inch of land to the neighboring state by force.
Speaking to mediapersons about the stalled talks, Syiem expressed concern over the recurring skirmishes and emphasised the government’s duty to maintain peace and tranquility in the state.
“We are not ready to give even an inch of land. Despite untoward incidents, district administrations have been instructed to remain vigilant and proactive, keeping in mind that the process of talks is ongoing,” he said.
Syiem, a member of the Regional Committee of Ri Bhoi, clarified that no dispute can be resolved 100 percent. However, he assured that the committee would make its best efforts to ensure that the outcome serves the interests of the indigenous population of the state.
When asked about the resumption of talks, Syiem stressed the urgency of resolving the dispute. Although the talks were delayed due to elections, he remains optimistic that discussions between the two states will resume soon.
He noted that both state governments are working on ways to facilitate a meeting for further discussions. The committee aims to conduct thorough discussions and ground visits to every disputed area between the two states.
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Assam and Meghalaya share an 885-km-long border, with six points of dispute currently identified. Both Chief Ministers were scheduled to visit the disputed areas under the second phase of talks, but this has yet to happen.
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