No simple solution to Meghalaya-Assam border row: Conrad Sangma

Speaking to media persons in the city, Sangma said that the issue is a continuous process that has remained unresolved for the last 49 years, which will require plenty of talks and discussions before a common ground can be reached.

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By Daia Kharsati

SHILLONG: 

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, on Monday, said that there is no simple solution to the current border row with Assam, while also maintaining that there has to be a solution that is acceptable to both sides.

Speaking to media persons in the city, Sangma said that the issue is a continuous process that has remained unresolved for the last 49 years, which will require plenty of talks and discussions before a common ground can be reached.

"It has been there for the last 49 years. There has been no simple solution. We need to find ways and means in which we could come up with solutions that are acceptable by both sides and amicable. It is difficult to say right now in which direction things will go,” Sangma said.

Banking on the relationship that Meghalaya shares with the Assam government, the CM informed that unofficial discussions with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma are ongoing, and the Central Government has also initiated discussions with both sides on the boundary issue.

As for the alleged encroachment by Assam, the Chief Minister asserted that no construction will be allowed in disputed areas.

No official communication on Shah’s visit

As for the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah's visit to Shillong, Sangma informed that the official communication on the same has not been received from the union government and things are unclear at the moment.

He added that if the visit happens, then multiple discussions on issues pertaining to the Northeast will take place, which will revolve around development, law and order situation, international boundary issues and insurgency among others.

(Edited by Shankar Kumar Turha)

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