Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today visited Langpih as part of a goodwill gesture to send a strong message that both the governments are committed to resolving the long-pending border differences.
Both the Chief Ministers arrived together in a helicopter from Guwahati and landed at Langpih Bazar and addressed a massive gathering, which was attended by people from the adjoining areas.
The Chairman of Regional Committees constituted by both Assam and Meghalaya were also present at the meeting.
Assam was represented by cabinet minister Atul Bora, while Meghalaya was represented by cabinet minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar.
Chief Secretaries of both the States, including senior officials were also present at the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, Conrad K Sangma said that it was a historic day for both the States as this visit will demonstrate the message of commitment between Assam and Meghalaya that has resolved to settle the border differences amicably.
He thanked Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma for deciding to jointly visit Langpih and meet the people.
“We are committed to discussing the border differences and finding ways to resolve this long-pending issue,” he said.
He stated that the people of the Langpih area have suffered in the last 49 years because of the differences that exist.
Stating that the 12 areas of differences between Assam and Meghalaya which included Langpih has seen violence and loss of previous lives, the Chief Minister said, “The Chief Minister of Assam and myself decided that we need to do something to resolve these border differences and find an amicable way forward”.
“It is a very complex issue, and people’s sentiment and emotions are involved, hence both of us agreed that together we have to find a way forward,” he added.
“If we don’t try and move forward we will be failing in our responsibility that you the people of Assam and Meghalaya have bestowed upon us”, he further stated.
The cultural display of Garos, Khasis and Gorkhas were showcased during the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the visit as historic and said that the spirit of the Northeast should be maintained as both the States resolve the border issues amicably.
NNN