SHILLONG, JUN 3: The second phase of border talks between Assam and Meghalaya over six remaining disputed areas will resume only after the expansion of the Assam Cabinet, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said Wednesday.
Addressing questions on the status of the regional committees, Tynsong said both states are awaiting the cabinet reconstitution in Assam before joint inspections can continue.
“On the regional committees dealing with the areas of difference between Meghalaya and Assam, we are waiting again because the expansion of the cabinet is being awaited,” Tynsong said.
He confirmed that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remains committed to the process but has sought time.
“The Assam Chief Minister has already expressed his willingness to continue the talks and the inspections by both regional committees. But he requested us to wait till the expansion of the ministry is completed,” Tynsong said.
The delay, he explained, will allow proper ministerial representation.
“This is so that the ministers concerned who will be entrusted with the task can also be part of the regional committee,” he added.
The second phase covers Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Desh Doomreah, Block-I & Block-II, and Psiar-Khanduli.
Six other areas were settled in the first phase through an agreement signed in March 2022.
