Meghalaya Governor Satya Pal Malik has constituted 3 regional committees to examine the status of six disputed areas along the inter-state border with Assam.
A media report quoted an official as saying that each of these regional committees will be headed by a Cabinet minister of Meghalaya.
According to the report, the Meghalaya Governor has asked the members of the committees to hold discussions with their counterparts in Assam where similar committees have been set up.
Also read: Assam-Meghalaya border row: Regional Committees formed to look into disputes in areas of differences
During the discussions, the committees will verify the claims and counter-claims of both the neighbouring states.
The six disputes areas along the Assam-Meghalaya border are Tarabari, Gizang and Hahim in West Khasi Hills district, Ratacherra in East Jaintia Hills and Boklapara and Khanapara-Philangkata in Ri-Rhoi district.
Meghalaya chief secretary MS Rao in a notification said deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong will head the committee that will coordinate for the Ri-Bhoi district along with thee local MIAs.
According to the notification, public health engineering minister R Tongkhar will chair the committee for West Khasi Hills district and state transport minister Sniawbhalang Dhar for East Jaintia Hills.
The deputy commissioners of the three districts – West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi – have been directed to provide secretarial and logistic support to the committees, the order said.
The regional committees will talk to the locals, elected members of the Autonomous District Council, learn about their perceptions and establish the geographical location of the villages, the order further said.
On August 6, 2021, the decision to form regional committees to look into the border disputes was taken during chief ministerial-level talks on border disputes held in Guwahati.
“We have decided to form 3 Regional Committees headed by one Cabinet Minister each from both Meghalaya & Assam to look into matters of the 6 areas of differences. The RCs will make joint visits and submit their report within 30 days,” said Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma on August 6, 2021.
Conrad Sangma further said: “We stand united & committed to resolve our border issues with mutual respect, keeping our people first and by upholding the spirit of North East alive. Thank Hon’ble CM of Assam, Sh. @himantabiswa Ji.”