Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has warned that the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam may delay the ongoing border talks between the two states. He voiced concern that the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct could slow progress on this critical issue.
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Code of Conduct May Disrupt Dialogue
Tynsong spoke to reporters on Tuesday and explained how the election model code could affect decision-making. “Once the code is in place, administrative coordination becomes limited,” he said. “This may stall important steps in the border talks.”
He added that political leaders and officials in Assam will likely focus on campaign work over the next few months. This shift could disrupt scheduled meetings and delay joint decisions.
Border Disputes Still Unresolved
Assam and Meghalaya share a border that spans nearly 885 kilometers. They have 12 disputed areas, six of which were partially resolved in 2022. The remaining six include sensitive regions like Langpih, Borduar, and Deshdoomreah.
In recent months, regional committees from both sides conducted field visits and gathered input from local residents. Tynsong confirmed that Meghalaya has completed most of its internal groundwork. “We’re waiting for Assam to propose the next meeting date,” he said.
Meghalaya Ready, But Election Timeline Looms
Tynsong assured that Meghalaya remains ready for talks at any time. However, with Assam’s elections approaching, he fears the discussions might slow down. He said, “We’re doing everything we can to move forward, but the election process could cause delays.”
The Deputy CM hopes that both governments will resume talks quickly after the polls conclude. Still, he admitted that important decisions may need to wait until Assam’s political environment settles.
Timeline May Get Pushed
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma earlier set a goal to resolve all border issues before the end of 2025. With Assam heading into elections, meeting that deadline now seems uncertain.
Tynsong said, “We wanted to close the remaining issues within the next year. But if elections take priority, we might need to wait longer.” He added that the state government does not want to rush the process, especially when the affected areas need careful attention.
Villagers Caught in the Middle
People living in the disputed areas face daily struggles. Confusion over jurisdiction causes problems with taxation, access to healthcare, and road maintenance. Many villagers feel caught between two states, with no clear identity or support.
A resident of Langpih shared, “We don’t know who to turn to when something happens. Sometimes we are told we belong to Assam, and sometimes to Meghalaya.”
The delay in talks could extend this confusion and worsen the conditions in these communities.
Youth Groups Raise Concerns
Local civil society groups, including the Khasi Students’ Union and the Hynniewtrep Youth Council, have raised strong concerns. They urged both governments to prioritize people over politics.
“We want a peaceful solution, but we also want urgency,” said a spokesperson from one of the groups. “Elections should not stop the government from working on issues that affect people’s lives.”
Opposition Wants Clarity
The opposition in Meghalaya also voiced concern. Congress MLA Ronnie V Lyngdoh said the government must keep the talks moving. “Even if full meetings can’t happen, some administrative work can continue. We must not let the issue lose momentum.”
He urged both state governments to find a way to coordinate during the election season. “This issue impacts thousands of people. It must stay on the agenda,” he said.
Assam Yet to Respond
So far, the Assam government has not issued a public statement about how the elections may affect the talks. Meghalaya’s officials are waiting to hear from their counterparts about the next steps.
Sources say that several Assam officials may soon take on election duties. This shift could reduce the time available for border-related meetings.
Hope After the Elections
Despite the challenges, Tynsong remains hopeful that the talks will continue once the elections are over. He believes both sides want peace and clarity for the people living near the disputed areas.
He added, “We can’t afford to delay this for long. People living in these areas deserve to know which state they belong to.”
Tynsong emphasized the need for political will and consistent engagement. He also praised the earlier progress made through cooperation between the two states.
Delay Possible, Commitment Strong
The upcoming Assam elections could slow the border talks between Meghalaya and Assam. However, Meghalaya remains committed to resolving the issue.
While administrative processes may pause temporarily, both governments must maintain momentum. The people living along the border cannot afford another long wait.
Tynsong’s message is clear — resolve may slow, but it should not stop. The talks must resume quickly to ensure peace and certainty in the border regions.
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