The longstanding border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya has recently come to light again due to a clash that erupted on their shared border. This unfortunate incident resulted in six fatalities and several injuries. The clash took place at the West Karbi Anglong district of Assam and Mukroh village in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills. It happened just before the second phase of talks between these states to resolve their boundary disputes.
The Assam-Meghalaya Border Dispute: An Overview
Assam and Meghalaya share an 884-km long border, on which there exist 12 disputed stretches. The areas of conflict include Upper Tarabari, Gazang reserve forest, Hahim, Langpih, Borduar, Boklapara, Nongwah, Matamur, Khanapara-Pilangkata, Deshdemoreah Blocks I and II, Khanduli, and Retacherra.
Historically, during the British rule, the undivided Assam encompassed present-day Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. After Meghalaya’s formation in 1972, a different interpretation of the border emerged. In 2011, the Meghalaya government identified 12 areas of difference with Assam, spanning approximately 2,700 sq km.
A significant point of contention is the district of Langpih. Originally part of the Kamrup district during the British era, it fell within Garo Hills and Meghalaya post-Independence. However, Assam considers Langpih as part of the Mikir Hills in Assam.
Attempts at Resolution and Future Plans
To resolve the dispute, an official committee was formed in 1985 under the former Chief Justice of India, Y V Chandrachud. This attempt did not yield a solution. However, in recent years, both state governments have managed to identify six out of 12 disputed areas for potential resolution.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in March 2022 based on recommendations jointly made by both states. According to these recommendations, Assam would receive full control of 18.46 sq km and Meghalaya of 18.33 sq km out of a total of 36.79 sq km of the disputed area. The second round of discussions for the remaining six phases is expected to start by November 2022.
Potential Solutions: Satellite Mapping and Inter-State Councils
To address this longstanding issue, advanced methods such as satellite mapping can be utilized. Further, reviving the inter-state council under Article 263 of the Constitution could provide an effective platform to inquire, advise on disputes, discuss common subjects, and make better policy coordination recommendations. Additionally, Zonal councils need to be rejuvenated for discussing matters of mutual concern like social and economic planning, border disputes, inter-state transport, etc. These measures could foster cooperative federalism and unity amid diversity.
Other Border Disputes in India
The Assam-Meghalaya dispute isn’t the only instance of border discord in India. The Belagavi Border Dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka is another example. Belgaum or Belagavi, currently part of Karnataka, is claimed by Maharashtra due to dissatisfaction with the implementation of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. Furthermore, the Odisha Border Dispute involves Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, a conflict dating back to 1960 over the territorial rights to Kotia gram panchayat. This dispute also extends to water rights regarding the Inter-State River Vamsadhara.
