Shillong, July 9: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said there is “no friction” between Assam and Meghalaya over the inter-state boundary, adding that the two governments are in regular touch to resolve any issues that arise along the border.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Behdeinkhlam festival, Sarma said he is maintaining contacts with both the Meghalaya chief minister and the Deputy chief ministers. “The channel of discussion is always open. We keep on meeting and there is no friction. Whenever something happens, we resolve that immediately with the spirit of friendship,” Sarma said.
Asked about reports of frequent friction in border areas, Sarma played down concerns. “I don’t think so…everything is smooth,” he added.
The remarks come days after the Meghalaya government reconstituted its regional committees to take forward the second phase of border talks.
The committees have been tasked with resolving the remaining six areas of difference between Meghalaya and Assam.
In the first phase, the two states signed an agreement in March 2022 to resolve disputes in six of the 12 areas of difference.
The second phase aims to address the remaining six areas — Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Deshdemoreah, Block I and Block II, and Psiar-Khanduli.
Both Chief Ministers have repeatedly stated their commitment to resolving the decades-old boundary dispute through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has said the reconstituted regional committees will hold consultations with stakeholders and submit recommendations to take the second phase forward.
