Shillong: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has raised concerns over the lack of urgency in resuming the second phase of boundary talks between Meghalaya and Assam.
“The government was very prompt in settling the first phase of the boundary issue, even using it as an election propaganda, claiming it as an achievement no other government had made,” said VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh.
He questioned the current delay, adding, “If the government could do it then, why is it moving so slowly now? We need the government to work throughout its five-year tenure, not just before elections.”
Myrboh emphasized the importance of governance that focuses on the welfare and development of the state, rather than being driven by election cycles. He said, “The government should not make promises just to win votes but must be truthful to the people about the realities on the ground.”
The second phase of negotiations between Assam and Meghalaya, which has been on hold for over a year, is expected to resume in October 2024. Both governments have reiterated their commitment to restarting discussions, although Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has stressed the need for caution, noting that the second phase involves more sensitive and complex areas than the first.
Assam and Meghalaya share an 885-km border, with six key points of contention identified. Both Chief Ministers had planned to visit these disputed areas but have yet to follow through on the visit.
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