Shillong, Nov 16: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday conducted a joint visit of Langpih village, one of the disputed areas along the Meghalaya-Assam border, to resolve the long-pending border dispute between the two states.
Jointly visited Langpih village at the Meghalaya-Assam border with Hon’ble CM of Assam @himantabiswa Ji & members of the Regional Committees & interacted with the people from the area. We are committed to resolve the issue as a promise to the people.@narendramodi @AmitShah pic.twitter.com/pvEvvaw89I
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 16, 2021
Terming the joint visit as ‘historical’ Meghalaya Chief Minister said this visit is part of the confidence-building exercise by the two chief ministers to resolve and find an amicable solution to the long-pending issue.
He thanked the Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma for deciding the joint visit to Langpih and meet the people. “We are committed to discuss on the border differences and find ways to resolve this long pending issue,” he said.
He said the people of Langpih area have suffered in the last 49 years because of the differences that exist, which has also seen violence and loss of previous lives.
In light of these conflicts, he said both the CMs decided that they need to do something to resolve this border differences and find an amicable way forward.
“It is a very complex problem, and people’s sentiment and emotions are involved, hence both of us agreed that together we have find a way forward,” he said while also mentioning that the issue will take some time to resolve as it is not an easy task to deal with.
He further stressed that “if we don’t try and move forward we will be failing in our responsibility that you the people of Assam and Meghalaya have bestowed upon us.”
At the same time, slamming the opposition, he said the “borders issue cannot be resolved sitting in the capital Shillong, in fact, the current government has dared to address the issue out unlike the previous governments.”
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed that 6 disputed areas have already been visited by both leaders and mentioned that Langpih area will not be under the first phase work as it needs a ground zero inspection.
”Will have to look at the historical facts and also have an extensive dialogue that will be conducted given the fact that we have to work on ground zero as resolving Langpih issue is not easy,” Sarma said.
He further informed that Langpih area is kept for the second phase.
It may be mentioned that there are 12 areas of differences between Assam and Meghalaya, namely, Upper Tarabari, Gizang Reserve Forest, Hahim area, Langpih area, Bordwar area, Nongwah Mawtamur area, Pilangkata Khanapara area, Deshdemoria area, Khanduli area, Umkhyrni Psiar area, Areas of Block I and Block II and Ratacherra area.
