Sonowal silent on boundary dispute issue

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, DEC 7: Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal avoided commenting on the ticklish age-old boundary disputes between Assam and Meghalaya which sometimes become very contentious straining relationship between the two neighbouring north eastern states.

Sonowal, who attended the 42nd passing out parade at the North East Police Academy (NEPA) on Wednesday, instead parried away reporters query by saying, “We are all together here as the day is an important one for us and NEPA is a centre for assimilation of unity for us to go ahead together.”

When he had visited the state after being appointed as Assam chief minister, Sonowal had stated then that the inter-state border issue is a family issue and it will be sorted out.

However, the Meghalaya government had been complaining that Assam is not willing to respond on the issue.

Earlier, Meghalaya government had also submitted land documents to stake claim over 12 areas of differences which include the Block I and II.

Sources also informed that the two states have not held meetings at the level of the chief ministers and chief secretaries since Assam got a newly BJP government led by Sonowal.

Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma had earlier emphasized the need to set up a Consultation Committee of Political Parties to pursue the age-old inter-state boundary issue with the counterpart, Assam.

Sangma felt unless a ‘political consensus’ from both the states is arrived, the inter-state border problems relating to 12 areas of difference and issue of re-transferring of block-I & II will continue remain unresolved.