Assam-Meghalaya to hold talks on border issue after May 23: Tynsong

SHILLONG, MAY 16: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said talks on the inter-state boundary issue between Assam and Meghalaya is likely to take place after the results of the Lok Sabha elections.

“Both the chief ministers of the two states will sit and discuss all issues after May 23,” Tynsong told reporters after a cabinet meeting held here on Thursday.

The deputy chief minister has also termed the recent incident at Balakhawa village along the inter-state border as unfortunate.

Michael Warjri, secretary of the Hima Nongspung was arrested by Assam police hours after his house was destroyed by a mob. Warjri, who had opposed the construction of a PMGSY road in the area by the Assam government, was released on Wednesday.

According to him, the Assam police should have consulted its counterpart before arresting anyone within the jurisdiction of Meghalaya.

Tynsong also claimed that the chief minister and home minister had also spoken to Assam chief minister on the incident.

He said the government want to ensure that such incident do not reoccur again and again in the inter-state border.

He informed that a report was sought from the Ri-Bhoi district deputy commissioner and superintendent of Police to be submitted to the chief minister and home minister.

Asked, the deputy chief minister said the fact that the Assam government seeking permission from the Hima Nongspung to build the road there, clearly indicated that the area falls within Meghalaya.

He however said the Hima Nongspung had given a no objection certificate to construct the PMGSY road.

However maintaining that PMGSY is a central scheme, Tynsong said, “It is not a scheme of the Assam government. Therefore, whether built by Assam or Meghalaya, let the construction be completed for the benefit of people residing along the inter-state boundary.”

According to him, both the states have also agreed not to disturb developmental activities in dispute area, but both sides have to inform each other if they want to take up projects.

Meanwhile, the deputy chief minister also slammed the opposition Congress for its failure to resolve this long pending issue despite the party was in power in both the states for many years.

By Our Reporter