When India can resolve its border dispute with Bangladesh, then what is the problem for Assam and Meghalaya. In fact, Home Minister Amit Shah explained this to the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya, who were at loggerheads with each other. The matter fell on both of them and the result was that the 50-year-old dispute ended. The end of this dispute is no less than a boon for the Northeast, as both were turning violent.
Assam and Meghalaya on Tuesday signed an agreement to settle their five-decade-old border dispute at six of the 12 places. The agreement was signed by Assam and Meghalaya Chief Ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma and Konrad Sangma in the presence of Amit Shah. The agreement will resolve the long-standing dispute between the two states at six of the 12 places along the 884.9-km border.
The two states had formed three committees each on the complex border issue in August last year. These were formed after two rounds of talks between Sarma and Sangma. It expressed its resolve to resolve the dispute. As per the recommendations of the committees, out of 36.79 sq km disputed area in the first phase, Assam will get full control of 18.51 sq km and Meghalaya 18.28 sq km.
Historic day for Northeast: Shah
Of the 12 points of contention between Assam and Meghalaya, six areas with relatively minor differences were taken up in the first phase. The border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya has been stuck for 50 years. Meghalaya was carved out of Assam as a new state in 1972, but the new state challenged the Assam Reorganization Act, 1971, which led to disputes at 12 places along the border areas.
Home Minister Amit Shah termed it as a historic day for the Northeast. He said that 70 per cent border disputes between the two states have been resolved with the signing of the agreement. There are 36 villages in six locations, covering an area of 36.79 sq km, in respect of which an agreement has been reached.
Modi-Shah showed the way: Conrad
Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma said that in recent days there was pressure from PM Modi and Amit Shah to resolve differences for the betterment of Northeast in both the states. However, he also says that the process for the settlement was going on for a long time. Everyone has played their role in this.
Rest of the issues will also be resolved in next 6-7 months: Sarma
Assam CM Himanta Sarma said that the PM and HM made significant efforts to resolve the dispute. He says that 6 out of 12 points have been settled. The remaining 6 points will be resolved in the next 6-7 months.