Shillong, April 21: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has announced that the second phase of border talks between Meghalaya and Assam will recommence immediately after the formation of the new government in Assam. He emphasized that diplomatic dialogue is a continuous process, noting that once the new administration assumes office in Guwahati, regional committees will be reconstituted to restart high-level discussions with Meghalaya.

While reiterating the commitment of both state governments to resolve the remaining “areas of difference” at the earliest, Dhar cautioned against setting a rigid timeline. He acknowledged the complexities of inter-state disputes, stating that although a resolution cannot be guaranteed within two months or two years, both sides are determined to make their best efforts toward a permanent settlement.

The border dispute dates back to 1972, when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam under the North Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, leaving 12 sectors along the 884.9-kilometre boundary in contention. After decades of stalemate, a breakthrough was achieved in March 2022 when Chief Ministers Conrad K. Sangma and Himanta Biswa Sarma signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, successfully resolving six of the less complicated sectors.

The ongoing Phase II negotiations are expected to be more challenging, as they involve sensitive regions including Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Deshdoomreah, Block I and Block II, and Psiar-Khanduli.