Shillong, April 22: Sniawbhalang Dhar on Tuesday said discussions with Assam over the long-pending inter-state border dispute will resume only after a new government is formed in the neighbouring state.
Addressing reporters, Dhar said the next phase of dialogue depends on Assam constituting its regional committees. “Dialogue with the counterpart is a continuous process. Let us wait till the new government is formed in Assam, and we will continue the discussion,” he said, adding that there is currently uncertainty over leadership on Assam’s side.
Assam went to the polls for its 126-member Assembly on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4. Officials indicated that further engagement between Meghalaya and Assam is unlikely until the administrative framework is in place.
On whether the dispute could be resolved before the Meghalaya Assembly elections in 2028, Dhar declined to set a timeline. He described the issue as complex, noting that negotiations involve multiple stakeholders and competing territorial claims.
The two states had signed memorandums of understanding in 2022 covering six of the 12 disputed areas, marking partial progress in a decades-old boundary issue.
In a separate update, Dhar said the tender process for the expansion of Shillong Airport has been completed and construction is expected to begin soon, with an estimated completion period of 18 months.
He added that the state government is seeking further details from the Centre regarding the contractor and execution plan, and clarity is expected in the coming weeks.
