Meghalaya-Assam border woes: CM Sangma reaffirms commitment to resolution

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma reiterated his government’s commitment to addressing the long-standing border issues with Assam, emphasising that efforts are progressing in the right direction.
 

He was speaking at the the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the All Meghalaya Karbi Association (AMKA) at Purduwa Kharpati in Ri Bhoi district, on April 3.
 

Speaking on the difficulties faced by people residing along the Assam-Meghalaya border, the chief minister acknowledged both the technical and political challenges involved in resolving the dispute.
 

“Things are moving forward in the right direction. Let us continue to be committed to our people. Let us understand the pain they go through and work towards a solution,” he said.
 

The chief minister also credited past governments for initiating the process but highlighted that his administration, in collaboration with the state council, is actively working towards a resolution.
 

"This is not a simple issue to resolve, and it is a political challenge, apart from technical challenge. Governments in the past, may not have taken this forward. But we are committed to resolve the issue. I thank my Assam counterpart for taking the initiative to resolve the issue,” he added.
 

The Assam-Meghalaya border dispute has been a long-standing issue, often leading to tensions among communities living along the boundary. However, both state governments have engaged in discussions to settle the matter amicably.
 

At the event, CM Sangma recalled the contribution of various Karbi leaders in the movement for Meghalaya’s statehood, such as (L) Valerian Hing Timung, (L) Jaipo Thang Taro, Dominic Timung, Joy Taro and Chikraw Timung.
 

"Their names still resonate with us today, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Our Karbi brothers spent months in jail while fighting for our statehood, showcasing the strong bond between the Karbi people and Meghalaya," he said. 

 
Congratulating the members of AMKA, the chief minister acknowledged the contribution of the founding members of the organisation, who have worked for the past 50 years to conserve and preserve the rich cultural diversity of the community.
 

Talking on the shared history and brotherhood between different tribes of the state, the chief minister said, “We may have different larger communities and tribes in our state, but let me assure every single citizen of our state, that no matter which tribe you belong to, no matter which religion you practice… being in Meghalaya and being a citizen of Meghalaya, makes you equally important to us… and it is the duty of every single leader and the government to ensure that all development and overall protection and rights are given to all the people living in our state of Meghalaya.”

 
Highlighting the importance of preservation of the state's diversity and culture, the chief minister announced Rs. 50 Lakh for establishment of Karbi Culture Centre. He said that the government has been supporting different minority groups in the state for preservation of culture and tradition.

 
"The government's endeavour is to ensure that every community feels included. Culture is essential to our identity, and it is what makes us who we are – whether Khasi, Garo, Rabha, Koch, Hajong, or Krabi," he added.

 
On the challenges along the area of difference between Assam-Meghalaya border, he said, “There has been an effort from Assam and Meghalaya government and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council to ensure that we work in harmony and maintain peace”.

 
He said that there is no school in area of difference, and children’s have to study under the shed of a tree or in someone's house, but with a concerted effort and coordination between Assam and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Meghalaya has been able to support construction of a school in one of the area of difference. The school is being constructed from funds released under Chief Minister Special Development Fund (CMSDF).
 

“There are many areas where the government is working together, to ensure development that the people deserve. Challenges are there and will always be there, but the government is working to resolve the issue”, he added. 
 

On the demand raised by AMKA to change the nomenclature of classifying the Karbis from Mikir in the state, he said, “I am aware of the issue regarding the nomenclature. It is a challenge, which has to be taken up at the top level. However, the process has started and we have constituted a committee headed by the Commissioner Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, along with other demands of different minority tribes. The committee will study and recommend, which will have to be taken up with the Government of India”.  
 

On 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, the demand has been raised for inclusion of unrepresented tribes, to which the chief minister said, “…since the number of nominated members is large, the government will be in a position to expand and figure out if there is a need to include members from the unrepresented tribe. Therefore, the option is not closed.”
 

On promotion of local language in the education system, the chief minister announced the intention to introduce Khasi and Garo to all students across Meghalaya. “I personally believe that it is important that the students understand words from both the languages. It will be challenging to introduce Khasi for students in Garo Hills and similarly Garo for students in Khasi Hills, but we are exploring the possibility to make both the languages mandatory in schools across the state”, he asserted.