Shillong, Nov 8: Meghalaya and Assam are expected to conduct the second joint inspection to Tarabari, one of the disputed areas, by the end of this week. However, the date for the inspection could be pushed further back due to the inauguration of a new district in Meghalaya.

“The second visit will be this week and if not then definitely next week. I have proposed to Assam Minister Atul Bora to go on 12, November, so let’s see,” Cabinet Minister and Chairman of the Regional Committee for West Khasi Hills Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar told reporters on Monday.

He said they had planned the visit on Monday, but the date has to be pushed further due to the officials being busy for the inauguration of a new district.

In the meantime, he said he has directed the West Khasi Hills officials to check if the road to Tarabari is traversable by car, otherwise they’ll need to take a chopper.

He was also hopeful that the visit this time will also be a positive one. At the same time, he shared that last time the people spoke about facts and challenges they face, which the joint inspection team felt was acceptable to both the states.

On the question of the area being easier to resolve in comparison to other disputed area, Tongkhar opined, “I can’t say 100% but to the maximum I can say we will be able to resolve if both states are really keen to resolve this problem.”

Mentionably, Assam and Meghalaya have constituted regional committees which are headed by Cabinet Ministers. These committees need to verify the claims and counterclaims made by the two sides at the disputed areas and resolve differences.

Also, of the 12 disputed areas, the governments have decided to start with 6 areas first which they feel are easier to resolve as the dispute there is less complicated. The six areas in question are Tarabari, Gizang and Hahim in West Khasi Hills district, Ratacherra in East Jaintia Hills and Boklapara and Khanapara-Pilangata in Ri-Bhoi district.