File photo of Assam and Meghalaya Chief Ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma and Konrad Sangma (right). (Image: PTI)
The two northeastern states have agreed to demarcate the boundary with six other areas of difference after the conclusion of the first phase of talks.
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- Last Update:May 25, 2022, 23:18 IST
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Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday said he and his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma would soon start the second phase of talks to resolve the remaining six differences along the inter-state border. The two northeastern states have previously agreed to demarcate the border with six other areas of difference after the conclusion of the first phase of talks.
“We are talking to each other but are unable to take out time as we have so many issues in our hands. There are also some upcoming elections in Assam. So once these are over, I am hopeful that we will be able to start the second phase of border talks soon,” Sangma told reporters here. He said Sarma has assured him that the Assam Police has been directed to ensure that the situation along the inter-state border in West Khasi Hills district does not worsen.
He was referring to a recent incident in which Assam Police personnel lathi-charged residents of Malang Huhpra village in Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district when they protested the arrest of two villagers. The Assam Police had also allegedly tried to stop the construction work and assaulted some residents of Mallangkona Salbari village.
Sangma said that he has directed the police to investigate the incidents, and has also taken up the matter with Sarma and urged him to ensure that such incidents do not recur. “Last evening, I had a discussion with the Chief Minister of Assam and he has assured me that necessary instructions will be given to the police to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” he said.
Sangma stressed that both the states need to handle the issue carefully. “We need to show restraint. He (Sarma) was also concerned about the issue and has assured me that he will take necessary action. The police will be asked to show restraint, especially keeping in mind that discussions on the border issue are still on. Therefore, to avoid any confusion or any disturbance in the situation, such acts should be avoided,” he said.
Sangma said the allies of the ruling MDA alliance are well aware of the proceedings of the discussions and have no questions or concerns regarding the first round of talks. He said that the MoU with Assam will not be reviewed.
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