'No more excuses': HSPDP's Pangniang wants Phase-II border talks with Assam

Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP) president KP Pangniang on Tuesday asked the Meghalaya government to start the second phase of boundary talks with Assam without further delay, saying the time for explanations is over, Syllad reported.

Pangniang said he had so far accepted the reasons given by the government for the slow progress. He listed the Assam Assembly election, what he called an MP election in Meghalaya, and recent political developments in the state, including the resignation of Metbah Lyngdoh, whom he referred to as the chairman for West Khasi Hills.

"These are the reasons, but from now onwards we should not delay," he said, adding that even if there is an MP election, it should no longer be a reason to hold back the talks.

'Complete what remains'

The HSPDP supports the present government, and Pangniang said it is this government that should finish the job it began.

"As we support this government, the timing is for this present government to complete what remains, just as they completed Phase-I," he said.

The government has not publicly responded to his remarks. No date for the next round of Phase-II talks has been announced.

What Phase-I settled

Assam and Meghalaya, which share a boundary of about 885 km, have disputed 12 areas along it since Meghalaya was carved out of Assam in 1972.

In March 2022, the chief ministers of the two states signed a memorandum of understanding in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, settling six of these areas in the first phase: Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilangkata and Ratacherra.

The remaining six areas, which are generally seen as more complex, are Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Desh Doomreah, Block I and Block II, and Psiar-Khanduli. Both states set up regional committees to visit these areas and hold talks with residents, but the process has moved slowly.

Why it matters

Unsettled stretches of the border have repeatedly seen tension between residents, police and forest staff of the two states, including disputes over construction work, roads and land use. Langpih in West Khasi Hills and the Block I and Block II areas in Ri-Bhoi are among the most sensitive.

Regional parties in the Khasi-Jaintia hills have often accused both state governments of moving too slowly, while villagers in the disputed belts say the uncertainty affects access to schemes, land records and policing.

Pangniang's remarks add pressure from within the government's own support base for a timeline on the second phase.