Shillong: The Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya convened an informal meeting in Shillong on Wednesday to establish confidence-building measures before their joint visit to disputed areas in October.
Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Sarma stated, “We want to hold a formal meeting first, where we can discuss confidence-building measures. Our aim is to ensure that our visit to the border areas doesn’t escalate tension. We don’t want people to blame us if there’s fresh tension after our visit.” He emphasized the importance of quickly developing these confidence-building measures.
“Once these measures are formalized,” he continued, “we will visit the sites and engage with the residents of border villages. We want to approach the visit to Karbi Anglong and Jaintia Hills with a spirit of festivity, similar to our visit to Langpih.”
Chief Minister Sarma expressed his desire to hold the formal meeting and visit the border areas in October, stating, “I would like to do it in October. If the Meghalaya CM can come to Guwahati in the first week of October, we can proceed; otherwise, it will be in the second week.”
Regarding the submission of reports by regional committees, Sarma noted, “These six areas are a bit complicated, and the regional committees, led by experienced individuals on both sides, are working diligently. We believe that everything will be resolved peacefully and amicably.”
Sarma appealed to border residents to maintain peace and harmony, assuring that both state governments are working tirelessly to resolve the dispute to the satisfaction of both Assam and Meghalaya’s people.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma described the informal meeting as part of an ongoing process to foster a better understanding between the two states. He emphasized that there was no definitive outcome from the meeting, but it was a positive step towards resolution and peace in the region. He thanked the Assam Chief Minister, the CEM of KAAC, and the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya for their involvement in the process. Sangma expressed hope that ongoing issues and misunderstandings would be resolved gradually.
