Shillong — In a major step toward resolving the long-standing boundary dispute between Assam and Meghalaya, border pillars are now being erected in the Hahim area of Assam’s Kamrup district. This development follows a joint dialogue between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma held on June 2.
Historic Dispute Sees Progress
The construction is taking place along the Gijang and Tirchang rivers, covering several key border villages — Umshek (Mathapota), Maspara, Malapara, Ranighar, Salpara, Thutia Bazaar, and Rangsapara — demarcating boundaries near the Hahim market and the Athiabari area, which falls under Meghalaya.
The border conflict dates back to 1972, when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam, leaving 12 areas of dispute over 2,700 sq. km. unresolved for decades. In March 2022, a breakthrough was achieved when both states signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, resolving six of those areas.
Six Resolved Sectors See Action
The current work on border pillars covers the six resolved sectors:
- Tarabari
- Gizang
- Hahim
- Boklapara
- Khanapara-Pilangkata
- Ratacherra
Officials from both states said the pillars will be completed before August 15, 2025, aligning with the symbolic importance of Independence Day.
“This is not just a concrete pillar; it’s a symbol of peace, clarity and a better future for border communities,” said a senior official from the survey team.
“For decades, we lived with confusion—of belonging to two states at once. Today, we witness history being written in stone,” shared an elderly resident of Rangthali village.
Six Disputed Sectors Remain Unresolved
Despite progress, six areas still remain flashpoints due to ethnic, historical, and administrative sensitivities:
- Block I
- Block II
- Langpih
- Deshdoomreah
- Khanduli
- Nongwah-Mawtamur
These areas continue to pose challenges to full resolution, with locals expressing concerns over identity, governance, and security.
Looking Ahead
With survey teams mobilizing and field units preparing for parallel constructions, the Assam-Meghalaya border resolution process is gradually turning into a model of cooperative federalism in India’s Northeast — blending diplomacy, historical correction, and local participation.