Shillong, July 19: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong announced that the state government will press for the retransfer of Block I and II from Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, reiterating that the long-pending boundary issue remains a top priority.

Tynsong, who chairs the regional committee on the boundary dispute, said Meghalaya is awaiting a response from his Assam counterpart to schedule a joint inspection of the contested areas along the Ri Bhoi–Karbi Anglong boundary. He noted that Assam’s side involves multiple chairpersons, whereas he serves as the sole chairman from Meghalaya.

Before Meghalaya’s creation, both Block I and II formed part of Assam’s United Khasi Jaintia Hills district. The blocks were transferred to Karbi Anglong in the 1950s by the then governor for administrative convenience.

Expressing readiness for the field inspection, Tynsong said the state is prepared to proceed at any time and hopes to conduct the review by late September, despite monsoon-related challenges. He remains “awaiting their reply” from Assam to finalise the schedule.

Acknowledging the approach of Assam’s 2026 elections, Tynsong conceded uncertainty over the dispute’s immediate resolution. He urged both sides to maintain the status quo, foster a peaceful atmosphere and allow committees to deliberate on all outstanding issues. Meghalaya’s Cabinet minister and spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh indicated that a second memorandum of understanding is likely to be signed ahead of Independence Day to address the remaining areas of difference, following the first MoU in New Delhi in March 2022 that resolved disputes in six of 12 sectors.