Guwahati: As part of a confidence building measure and to bring a lasting solution to the decade old inter-state border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya, Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma along with his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad Sangma on Tuesday visited Lower Lumpi in Assam- Meghalaya border.Both the Chief Ministers held a discussion at Lumpi and also attended a programme organized by Kamrup District Administration of Assam.
Addressing the local people of Lumpi area, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that the governments of Assam and Meghalaya have been making concerted efforts during the last six months for a lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the longstanding inter-state border dispute. The Chief Minister said that in the spirit of brotherhood and enduring friendship, both the governments would be able to resolve all issues between the two states.
Chief Minister Sarma said that after taking charge as the Chief Minister of Assam, he visited Shillong and discussed the inter-state border issue with his Meghalaya counterpart after which another chief minister level meeting was held on August 6 at Guwahati wherein both the governments agreed to settle the issue in an amicable manner through dialogue. He said that while there are 12 disputed areas between Assam and Meghalaya, presently six places have been taken up in the first phase for resolution; the Chief Minister said adding that once the regional committees constituted for the purpose submit their reports, discussion would take place for resolution of the six disputed areas. He also assured the people that Lumpi would be taken up in the second phase for discussion.
Moreover, Chief Minister Sarma said that both the governments tentatively decided to implement central government schemes at Lumpi area with collective approach of the DCs of Kamrup and West Khasi Hills Districts in consultation with public representatives of both sides, so that people of Lumpi were not deprived from the fruits of development.
Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma while speaking on the occasion appreciated the initiative taken by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for bringing an amicable solution to the inter-state border dispute. He said that due to the longstanding border dispute, people living at the disputed border areas have suffered immensely during the last 50 years and keeping this in view, both the governments came forward to settle the issue through dialogue. He lamented the fact that earlier no government had made such committed efforts for settlement of border disputes. He also said that both the Chief Ministers visited Lumpi in a bid to boost the confidence of the people living in the area.
PHED Minister of Meghalaya R L Tongkhar, Assam Agriculture Minister of Assam Atul Bora, MLA Boko LAC Nandita Das, Meghalaya MLA Kimfa S Marbaniang, Chief Secretary of Assam Jishnu Barua, Chief Secretary of Meghalaya Rebeka Suchiang, senior officials from both the states, local people from various communities were present in the programme.
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