Pillars to be raised in six resolved areas before Independence Day
Boko (Assam), July 2: The process of resolving the boundary dispute between Meghalaya and Assam has shown visible results on the ground with authorities from both the states started installation border pillars at Hahim area in Kamrup district on Tuesday. The area is adjacent to West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya.
The installation of pillars started along Gijang river from Rangthali village in Hahim by the survey teams and administrative officers and staff from both the governments.
Since the birth of Meghalaya after being carved out of Assam in 1971, there have been many incidents related to dispute along the 885-km-long inter-state boundary at various places.
While previous governments’ efforts to resolve the long-pending boundary dispute had not resulted in any tangible income the incumbent governments in Meghalaya and Assam have made significant progress in the process, resulting in beginning of installation of border pillars.
Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sharma – both heading NDA governments – empowered by strong mandate from the Central government have held several rounds of meeting to resolve the issue.
During the course, ministers and MLAs from both the states made numerous ground visits to the 12 disputed regions between the states.
The dispute over six areas, including Hahim, was settled in the first phase by March 29, 2022 while considering the views of local stakeholders.
The other areas settled in the first phase are – Gijang, Tarabari, Bakalapara, Khanapara-Pilinkata and Ratachera.
The two chief ministers held a meeting on June 2 and decided to erect border pillars in the areas where the border dispute was settled before Independence Day this year.
Accordingly, installation of border pillars started in Hahim area on Tuesday.
Local residents praised the government’s action and said the erection of the pillar was a historic moment.
The installation of pillars started from Rangthali village in Hahim, Umshek (Mathapota), Maspara, Malapara along Gijang river and then Ranighar, Salpara along Tirchang river, Thutia bazaar near Hahim bazar and it will end at Rangsapara after Athiabari village along Tirchang river.
Other survey teams from both the states will also start surveying Gijang area adjacent to Hahim and install boundary pillars soon, an official of the survey team said.
