Assam-Meghalaya border issue: High-Level Meeting held in Umkiang, Both states keen to resolve border dispute

In a significant step towards resolving the border issue between Assam and Meghalaya, a high-level meeting was held at Umkiang in Meghalaya on Saturday. Minister for Forest & Environment, Chandra Mohan Patowary, who was on a two-day visit to Cachar, attended the meeting alongside Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dar.

The meeting, which took place at the auditorium hall of Holy Cross H.S. School, was conducted in a congenial atmosphere, and officials from both states were present to address the longstanding border dispute between Cachar and East Jaintia Hills district.

Among the dignitaries present were Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, Rohan Kumar Jha, and East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, Abhilash Barnawal, alongwith Police Superintendents of the respective districts and officials from various departments. Representatives from different organisations of Meghalaya and local residents also participated in the discussion.

During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya and the Forest Minister of Assam expressed their commitment to resolving the border issue amicably. Both governments are eager to find a satisfactory resolution for the benefit of the people residing in the border areas.

The ministers emphasised the importance of detailed reports and opinions from the local populace in finding a viable solution. Deputy Commissioners of Cachar and East Jaintia Hills were instructed to collect comprehensive data and present it for further deliberation.

At the meeting, Sadar SDO, Abhinav Kumar Singh, welcomed the attendees, and both Cachar DC, Rohan Kumar Jha, and East Jaintia Hills DC, Abhilash Barnawal, provided informative presentations using Power Point. Among others present at the meeting were Lakhipur MLA, Kaushik Rai, Cachar Superintendent of Police, Numal Mahatta, District Development Commissioner, Rajib Roy, Forest Department officials and various stakeholders.

Following the meeting, Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary briefed the media at the Circuit House in Silchar about the state government’s dedicated efforts and initiatives to bring a resolution to the border issue between the two states.

The meeting signifies a positive step towards resolving the longstanding border dispute, and the governments of Assam and Meghalaya are committed to seeking an amicable solution for the welfare of the people residing in the affected areas. The issue remains under close observation, and further developments are anticipated in the near future.