The long-standing border dispute between Northeast Indian states, Assam and Meghalaya, is expected to see resolution soon. With the celebration of the 50th Statehood Day of Meghalaya on 21st January, the Home Minister is set to seal the final agreement concerning the disputed areas along the 885-km shared border between these two states.
Understanding the Assam-Meghalaya Border Dispute
The disputed regions along the Assam-Meghalaya boundary include twelve areas namely Upper Tarabari, Gazang reserve forest, Hahim, Langpih, Borduar, Boklapara, Nongwah, Matamur, Khanapara-Pilangkata, Deshdemoreah Block I and Block II, Khanduli, and Retacherra. These disputes emerged post the Assam Reorganisation Act, 1971, which led to the formation of Meghalaya.
The Major Point of Contention
The main area of contention is the district of Langpih in West Garo Hills, which borders the Kamrup district of Assam. Langpih was a part of Kamrup during British rule but became a part of Garo Hills and Meghalaya after Independence. Assam still considers it as a part of Mikir Hills in Assam. Further conflict arises as Meghalaya challenges the inclusion of Blocks I and II of the Mikir Hills, now the Karbi Anglong region, in Assam.
Resolution Attempts and The Path Forward
Both states have formed border dispute settlement committees and are working towards a phased resolution. To facilitate this, two regional committees will consider factors like historical facts, ethnicity, administrative convenience, local sentiments and land contiguity while resolving the dispute. The first phase will focus on six sites, namely Tarabari, Gijang, Hahim, Baklapara, Khanapara-Pilingkata and Ratacherra.
Assam shares its borders with multiple states and has unresolved border disputes with some due to the creation of new states from Assam. These include disputes with Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, which are in court, and Mizoram, with whom negotiations are ongoing.
Other Interstate Disputes in India
Interstate disputes not limited to Northeast India. Other examples include the Belagavi border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra, and several disputes involving Odisha.
Technological and Institutional Solutions
Potential solutions lie in using satellite mapping for accurate border demarcation and reviving the Inter-state council per Article 263 of the Constitution, which is expected to advise on disputes and provide recommendations for better coordination. Similarly, zonal councils can also be very instrumental in resolving mutual issues of states in their respective zones.
The Ethos of Cooperative Federalism
India, celebrated as a unified entity in its rich diversity, requires both state and central governments to work cooperatively to resolve such disputes. The ethos of cooperative federalism can significantly strengthen this unity and aid a peaceful resolution to interstate disputes.