Dispur, July 23: In a bid to
amicably resolve the longstanding inter-state border dispute between Assam and
Meghalaya, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma today met his Meghalaya
counterpart Conrad Sangma at Yojana Bhawan, Meghalaya Secretariat in Shillong
and took part in a bilateral discussion. Chief Secretaries and other senior
officials of both the governments were also present in the meeting. During
discussion, Government of Meghalaya claimed 12 disputed places belonging to the
state. Government of Assam also justified with documents that those places
belong to Assam. After detailed discussion, both the governments decided to
adopt a pragmatic approach and move from status quo to solution. It was agreed
to discuss all 12 places one by one and review claims. If possible, both the
Chief Ministers will visit all 12 places. Further, Chief Minister Sarma also
invited Meghalaya CM Sangma for 2nd round of discussion at Guwahati on August
6. Along with Chief Minister Sarma, the Assam Government was represented by
Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua, DGP Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta, Principal Secretary to
the CM Samir Kumar Sinha and Commissioner Secretary GD Tripathi. From Meghalaya
Government, along with the CM, Chief Secretary M.S. Rao, Additional Chief
Secretary R.V. Suchiang, Commissioner & Secretary R. Lyngdoh and Secretary
Home & Political C. V. D. Diengdoh were present. Later talking to media
persons, Chief Minister Sarma said, "It was a very fruitful discussion.
We came to a common understanding and we are firm and committed to resolve the
border dispute". The Chief Minister also said that in view of
contradictory claims, there would have more discussion and review so that a
lasting solution could be reached. Meghalaya Chief Minister Sangma while
thanking Assam Chief Minister Sarma for his visit and to take forth the
dialogue on the border dispute. He said that as it was a long pending issue, it
would take some more time as well as consultation for an amicable and accepted
solution to both the states.
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