Meghalaya, Assam CMs meet on inter-state boundary disputes

Guwahati/Shillong, April 2 (IANS): Meghalaya and Assam on Saturday ordered the Chief Secretaries of both the states to re-start their dialogue process to resolve the vexed inter-state boundary disputes.
The decision was taken at a meeting between Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal and Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma at Brahmaputra State Guest House in Guwahati.
“The Chief Secretaries of Assam and Meghalaya have been asked to continue the dialogue on the 12 areas of difference,” Sonowal told journalists after the meeting.
“We have discussed a lot of issues, and it was fruitful. The Chief Secretaries will discuss the boundary dispute. We have also decided to work together for our mutual growth,” he said.
The 12 areas of difference include Upper Tarabari, Gizang reserve forest, Hahim, Langpih, Borduar, Boklapara, Nongwah-Matamur, Khanapara-Pilangkata, Deshdemoreah, Khanduli-Psiar area, Ratacherra and Blocks I and II. The total area of difference is 2,765.14 square km, of which Blocks I and II cover 1,583.42 square km.
Saturday’s meeting was the first official meeting between the two Chief Ministers after Sonowal assumed office in Assam in May last year.