File image

Meghalaya and Assam have decided to put in their best efforts to resolve the decades old inter-state boundary dispute and go beyond the word “status quo” which has been maintained by both the states.

This historic decision was taken at the chief minister level talk held between Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the Meghalaya Secretariat in Shillong on Friday.

Speaking to journalists at a joint press conference, Sarma said both the states would put in efforts to solve the areas of dispute amicably.

Sarma said Meghalaya has claimed over the 12 areas of difference while Assam has made counter-claims over the areas.

“Both the states have come to an understanding that though status quo will be maintained in those areas, but both the states need to travel beyond the status quo, and solve the disputed areas one by one, as it may not be possible to solve all at a time,” Sarma said.

Sarma termed the discussion as fruitful and invited the Meghalaya chief minister for another chief minister level talk at Guwahati on August 6.

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma also echoed the statement of the Assam chief minister and termed the discussion as fruitful.

Sangma said it was agreed that both the states would work towards finding solution to the long pending issue which is practical and acceptable to both sides.

He said officials of the both the states will also conduct field visits and work together so that the issue can be resolved amicably.

“The kind of interest showed by both Assam and Meghalaya as well as the desire of the Central government, this issue can be resolved amicably,” Conrad said.