Assam, Meghalaya CMs to discuss interstate boundary dispute

Shillong, March 28: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma will meet Assam's Chie Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on April 3 in Guwahati to discuss the interstate boundary dispute, an official said on Tuesday.

Sonowal will meet the Meghalaya Chief Minister for the first time since he assumed office in Assam in May last year after assembly polls.

"The Chief Ministers have agreed to meet on April 3 to discuss the vexed boundary issue between Assam and Meghalaya," a Meghalaya official told IANS while requesting anonymity.

Sangma will be accompanied by his deputy Roytre Christopher Laloo, Home Minister Horju Donkupar Roy Lyngdoh, Law Minister Roshan Warjri, Border Area Development Minister Prestone Tynsong, his Chief Adviser D.D. Lapang besides senior government officials.

Sangma last held discussions with then Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on June 5, 2010.

In the past, Meghalaya has submitted documents and maps on its claim to the 12 sectors/areas of Upper Tarabari, Gizang Reserve Forest, Hahim, Langpih, Borduar, Boklapara, Non-gwah-Matamur, Khanapara-Pillangkata, Deshdemoreah, Block I and Block II, Khanduli-Psiar and Ratacherra.

"We have submitted detailed documents and maps, created after a long study, in accordance with our claim on these areas, along with legal and constitutional back-up," the Meghalaya official said.

Sonowal had earlier exuded confidence about resolving Assam's decades-old border disputes with Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram through consultations and mutual accomodation.

The boundary row between Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh is pending in the Supreme Court.