Meghalaya to Get 5 Disputed Villages in Ri Bhoi; MoU with Assam Govt Before Aug 15: Minister Paul Lyngdoh
First Published: 28th June, 2025 15:24 IST
Significantly, on June 2, 2025, Assam and Meghalaya resumed the Chief Minister-level talks on border dispute
In a major step forward in the decades-old boundary dispute between Assam and Meghalaya, the Meghalaya government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Assam government before August 15, paving the way for the return of five villages under the Ri-Bhoi district to Meghalaya.
Announcing the development on Friday, Cabinet Minister and MDA spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh stated that the five villages, currently under dispute as these villages border Assam, fall within the Ri-Bhoi sector—one of the most contentious zones in the unresolved segments of the interstate boundary. He added that both states have made substantial progress and are moving closer to a permanent solution.
Significantly, on June 2, 2025, Assam and Meghalaya resumed the Chief Minister-level talks on border dispute. In the meeting between the two Chief Ministers, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad K Sangma, which took place in Guwahati, it was decided to erect boundary pillars in five of the six areas of differences, the agreement for which was inked in 2022, after some readjustments.
Post the June 2 meeting, Assam CM Sarma told reporters that on the request of the Meghalaya government, some readjustments in areas such as Tarabari and Gizang will be made and accordingly, an equal portion of land will be provided to Assam in lieu of some villages that will be adjusted in favour of Meghalaya and thereafter boundary pillars in five disputed sites will be erected before August 15, 2025.
Chief Minister Sarma further stated that as far as Pilangkata, (an area of difference), although there is an agreement, there is some interpretation issue. Therefore, the deputy commissioners of both sides will meet again and address the matter.
It may be recalled that a MoU was signed in March 2022 between the two state governments to put to rest the five-decade-old differences in six areas – Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilangkata and Ratacherra.
Regarding the other six disputed sites, both the state governments decided to keep talking and keep working and ensure that these sites are also resolved within a short period of time. However, both the Chief Ministers affirmed not set any time frame and keep the discussions going in an environment of mutual trust, friendship and confidence.
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