SHILLONG, MAY 18: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Monday said a joint meeting between villages over the Lapangap issue was held “peacefully” in the presence of district administrations from both sides, but added that key matters remain unresolved.
“There was a meeting between both the villages in presence of the district administrations from both sides,” Dhar told reporters.
“Somehow the meeting went off peacefully and there are some issues yet to be resolved so it may take time within a day or two.”
Asked if farming activities in the disputed area had resumed, he said, “Today not yet resume.”
“The two villages have come together and in the presence of DCs and SPs from both government,” he added. “There are some issues still left and the meeting is very good and it went off peacefully.”
Dhar said no final decision had been reached. “Finally, the decision on how to go about it, we have not yet come to a conclusion so let us see another two or three days,” he said.
He stressed that the matter was being handled at the highest level. “Both the chief ministers are coordinating about this issue very seriously,” Dhar said.
Clarifying the nature of the dispute, the Deputy CM said, “Today about Lapangap issue, it is not about border issue, it is mostly about livelihood.”
On the larger inter-state border talks with Assam, Dhar said Meghalaya would proceed once Assam constitutes its panel. “On the border issue, when they (Assam) appoint their chairman of the regional committee, we will discuss accordingly,” he said.
By Our Reporter
