Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the erection of the first boundary pillar along the once-disputed Assam-Meghalaya border brings clear jurisdiction for both administration and residents on either side of the boundary.
On July 2, the first pillar was installed at Hahim, situated between Assam’s Kamrup district and Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district. This move marks the beginning of physical demarcation in areas that were previously undefined for over five decades.
“With this pillar in place, governance can finally shine in these once grey areas. People and administration on both sides now have exact clarity on jurisdiction,” said Chief Minister Sarma. He termed the development as a “pillar of peace and clarity.”
Dr. Sarma recalled that the formation of Meghalaya in 1972 left several stretches of its border with Assam unclear, often leading to conflicts and confusion. This ambiguity was addressed in 2022, when both states signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to define and resolve boundary disputes.
Out of 12 disputed areas, six were resolved and designated for boundary demarcation. These areas include:
- Tarabari
- Hahim
- Gijang
- Boklapara
- Khanapara–Pilingkata
- Ratachera
Regional committees from both Assam and Meghalaya are now working to assess the remaining six disputed locations, aiming for a peaceful resolution through continued dialogue.
Recently, the Chief Ministers of both states met at Koinadhara Guest House in Guwahati, expressing optimism to settle all border issues through negotiation.
Efforts to resolve similar boundary issues are also ongoing with other neighboring states:
In April 2023, an MoU between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh was signed in New Delhi, also in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Of the 123 disputed villages, 71 have been resolved amicably. The Survey of India is currently surveying the remaining areas.
Assam and Mizoram continue to engage in regular discussions to resolve their boundary differences.
The Assam–Nagaland border dispute is under judicial consideration in the Supreme Court. Assam advocates for a constitutional boundary, while Nagaland insists on a historical boundary.
The erection of the first pillar stands as a symbol of progress, peace, and cooperative federalism, showcasing the commitment of northeastern states to resolve long-standing disputes through dialogue, documentation, and mutual respect.
