Shillong, Nov 16: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday visited Langpih as part of goodwill gesture to send a strong message that both the governments are committed to resolve the long pending border differences.
Both the Chief Ministers arrived together in a helicopter from Guwahati and landed at Langpih bazar and addressed a massive gathering, which was attended by people from the adjoining areas.
The Chairman of Regional Committees constituted by both Assam and Meghalaya were also present at the meeting.
Assam was represented by cabinet minister Atul Bora, while Meghalaya was represented by cabinet minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar.
Chief Secretaries of both the State, including senior officials were also present at the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that it was an historic day for both the States as this visit will demonstrate the message of commitment between Assam and Meghalaya that has resolved to settle the border differences amicably.
He thanked Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma for deciding to jointly visit Langpih and meet the people.
“We are committed to discuss on the border differences and find ways to resolve this long pending issue,†he said.
He stated that the people of Langpih area have suffered in the last 49 years because of the differences that exist.
Stating that the 12 area of differences between Assam – Meghalaya which included Langpih has seen violence and loss of previous lives, the Chief Minister said, “Chief Minister of Assam and myself decided that we need to do something to resolve this border differences and find an amicable way forwardâ€.
“It is a very complex issue, and people’s sentiment and emotions are involved, hence both of us agreed that together we have to find a way forward,†he added.
“If we don’t try and move forward we will be failing in our responsibility that you the people of Assam and Meghalaya have bestowed upon usâ€, he further stated.
The cultural display of Garos, Khasis and Gorkhas were showcased during the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the visit as historic and said that the spirit of Northeast should be maintained as both the States resolve the border issues amicably.
He further said that in 1972, when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam, the border should have been demarcated but nonetheless, Assam has never opposed creation of any States carved out of Assam and the people of Assam loves to call themselves as Northeast. He said that people of Assam respect the spirit of Northeast and it is showcased in its culture.
“When we bifurcated Meghalaya from Assam, certain dispute stayed for long, which still existed. In 1972, if the border would have been demarcated, the history today would have been different,†he added.
“It is a fact that we have dispute on borders… that dispute is always becoming an irritating factor… in the spirit of Northeast… sometimes things goes beyond our control. After I assumed the office of Chief Minister, I have started talking with Meghalaya counterpart and I have been continuously engaging with Meghalaya to resolve the dispute… so that we remain and maintain our age-old relationship,†Sarma said, while stating that Assam and Meghalaya can collectively set the tune of united Northeast for the benefit of entire region.
He said that there are 12 areas of differences and both the States are working to resolve the issues on a phase wise manner. He said that six area of differences are being studied and that Langpih will be in the next phase. He said that their visit to Langpih is a confidence building measure and to tell the people that both the States are committed to resolve the issues.
He also said that both the States have agreed to ensure that the implementation of central government schemes will be executed in the area of differences in consultation with both the States, so that people are not deprived of development.
