A solution to the border issue between the neighboring states of Meghalaya and Assam is still elusive, though the government of Meghalaya is being pressurized by various organizations to speed up in finding ways and means to resolve the issue. For forty long years since the inception of the state of Meghalaya carved out of the parent state of Assam, this vital matter was not taken up seriously by successive governments of both the two states. Instead it had turned into a blame game of making encroachments, while people settled in the border areas continue to suffer, especially in times of violent conflict.
Both the states however seems not to be averse of the idea in seeking the Centre’s intervention, the Assam Chief minister Tarun Gogoi had mentioned that the centre can be the mediator. The Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, had also offered to lead an all party delegation to New Delhi to impress the Central leadership for an early solution.
In the meantime however the Border Joint action Committee of students representatives of Karbi Anglong and Jaintia Hills, have come out with a proposal that the matter be left to the people themselves in expressing their opinion whether they wish to remain in Assam or Meghalaya. Such an option by the people themselves can go a long way in bringing about an amicable solution and also at the same time bring about an atmosphere of peaceful co-existence especially of the communities settled along the border areas.
The chronic and protracted border issue has been taken undue advantage by vested interests, creating instability and also confusion and fear in the minds of the people. The settlers along the border are mainly engaged in farming and trading where peaceful conditions matter most.-
By Sumar Sing Sawain
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