Assam and Meghalaya Erect First Boundary Pillar in Disputed Area

Guwahati, Jul 4 (PTI) In a significant move towards resolving the long-standing border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya, the first boundary pillar has been erected in one of the disputed areas along their inter-state boundary, announced Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday.

These "pillars of clarity and peace" aim to bring governance to previously undefined regions, Sarma noted. He explained this step as part of "the on-ground execution of the 2022 agreement," as stated in a post on X. The Chief Minister, however, did not disclose the exact location of the pillar.

Sarma highlighted that when Meghalaya was formed from Assam in 1972, a significant portion of the boundary remained unclear, often causing chaos and tension. "Fifty years later, in 2022, under the leadership of Adarniya @narendramodi Ji and in the presence of Adarniya @AmitShah Ji, our two states signed a historic MoU to start defining our boundaries," he wrote, referring to the agreement both states signed in the national capital.

According to Sarma, six out of twelve disputed areas have been resolved, and the benefits of the agreement are manifesting as the first boundary pillars are being erected. He emphasized, "How do these pillars improve harmony between our states? People and administration on both sides now have a clear understanding of jurisdiction. Governance can finally prosper in these 'once grey areas'," tagging his Meghalaya counterpart, Conrad Sangma.

During a joint press conference on June 2, the two chief ministers announced that border pillars would be erected in five of the disputed areas by Independence Day. Regarding the sixth disputed area, related to the Pilingkata region, they mentioned some interpretational differences, which the deputy commissioners of both states would discuss.

Sarma also said the states agreed to continue discussions on the other six disputed locations, although no specific timeline has been set for resolution. Assam and Meghalaya have a longstanding dispute regarding twelve areas along their 884.9-km-long interstate border.

The March 2022 agreement, signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, marked a step towards resolving disputes in six areas. Of the 36.79 sq km of disputed areas initially considered for settlement, Assam acquired 18.46 sq km while Meghalaya received 18.33 sq km.

Meghalaya, carved out of Assam in 1972, has been contesting the Assam Reorganisation Act, 1971, which Assam recognizes as the official border.

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