Shillong, Jan 29: A final resolution to end the five decade old border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya at 12 locations is likely to take longer than expected as it now has to be passed by the Parliament. The reason being that the the demarcation of two states is a central government’s subject.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday held a closed-door meeting at Taj Vivanta in Guwahati to discuss the pending resolution to six of the 12 areas of difference between the two states in the first phase.

While the CMs did not brief the media about the discussion and its outcome, Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika said the final decision on the inter-state boundary issue will be taken by the Parliament because the boundary demarcation of the two States is the subject of the Centre.

The two CMs have submitted their respective recommendations to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on January 20, 2022 in New Delhi to resolve the issue in a phased manner.

While Meghalaya hasn’t disclosed its recommendations yet, Assam government earlier informed that it has decided to go for give and take policy wherein out of the 36.79 sq km of disputed area taken up for settlement in the first phase, Assam will get full control of 18.51 sq km while Meghalaya will get control over 18.28 sq km of land.