SHILLONG, Nov 29: The second phase of border talks between Assam and Meghalaya aimed at resolving the remaining six areas of difference is slightly complicated and there could be delayed following the November 22 violence at Mukroh, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters, Sangma said he was expecting that the second round of talks would take place within this month.

“But now with all of this happening, the situation is slightly complicated so we may not be able to go for it (talks) immediately though we still strongly feel that this is the way to move forward,” he said.

Stating that his government is committed to resolve the long pending boundary dispute with Assam, the chief minister said, “We want to work as fast as possible to resolve it because that’s the only permanent way to ensure that these kinds of incidents can be completely avoided in the future but because of the unfortunate incident that took place, circumstances have changed.”

He added, “Hence, we will have to take some time, we will have to keep having discussions with the Assam government and government of India and see when it will be appropriate to have a talk with them.”

On November 22, 2022, six persons including five Khasi villagers and one Assam forest guard were killed in an unprovoked firing by the Assam police at Mukroh village in West Jaintia Hills.