A solution is more important than an inquiry: Rymbui on Assam-Meghalaya border issue

SHILLONG:

Breaking the ice is the strategy employed by Meghalaya Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui in the recent clash between residents of the Ïongkhuli village and the Assam police.

“Our primary purpose is to solve the problem. A solution is more important than any inquiry,” Rymbui said, adding that an official inquiry will not solve the problem but a long-lasting solution will.

“In this type of situation, I don’t see an ideal solution that will please everyone, but political will can help. Taking into consideration that the rights of our state — the right of the people — the geographical areas, which belong to Meghalaya, will be looked into,” he said.

When asked if Meghalaya will seek the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) to resolve the matter, Rymbui said, “NESAC could help only in places where there are no disputes. In areas of differences, it is difficult because there is a claim and counterclaim between two states.”

“We have to see. It is not a question of border or district force or battalion, but how to secure our boundaries; whatever serves the purpose… that is the best thing for me,” added Rymbui when questioned on setting up a border force.

On the “give and take” policy suggested by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rymbui commented that it would be premature to assess whether such a policy will be instrumental in addressing the long-pending conflict.

It is imperative to mention here that Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma will lead a delegation to Guwahati to hold the second round of talks with his counterpart, Sarma, on the boundary issue on August 6.

Meanwhile, Rymbui cautioned that only “after knowing the stand of both Assam and Meghalaya” can the states’ leaders “know how to move forward and to work out the modalities.”