Assam: Minister Atul Bora Asserts A Positive Border Discussions With Meghalaya.

Guwahati; May 2026: Just 03 days ago being appointed as the minister for Border Protection and Development Department along with several other portfolios, Minister Atul Bora, today (Saturday – 16th May 2026) has chaired a high-level review meeting at Janata Bhawan, Guwahati. After reviewing the latest status of departmental activities, Bora issued key directions to officials and stressed that the government remained committed to resolving border disputes through ‘negotiations and mutual understanding’.

While addressing the media reporters after the meeting, Bora said discussions with neighbouring states are already underway and had received encouraging cooperation. “The process of resolving border disputes through dialogue and discussions is continuing. We have received cooperation from all the neighbouring states, and steps are being taken to resolve the issues amicably”, the minister said.

Emphasising the significance of the Border Protection and Development Department, he said that the government would continue prioritising the interests and welfare of people residing in border areas, while pursuing peaceful solutions to long-pending disputes.

Bora’s remarks come amid renewed tensions along the Assam-Meghalaya border, particularly in the Lapangap area, where protests by local residents earlier this week prompted the deployment of multiple police platoons, including Special Force-10 commandos. The security reinforcement followed growing resentment among villagers who alleged that they were being prevented from carrying out agricultural activities due to repeated harassment by individuals from Assam’s Karbi Anglong district.

The dispute over villages near Lapangap has persisted for decades, with both Assam and Meghalaya staking claim over the area. Meghalaya refers to the region as Block I and claims historical ownership, while the area is currently administered by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) in Assam. The area, along with five other disputed locations, is expected to be taken up during the second phase of border talks between the two northeastern states.

Minister Bora has further reiterated that implementation of the Assam Accord would remain one of the BJP-led NDA government’s key priorities during its third term. “The progress of the Assam Accord Implementation Department will be given importance. The government is committed to taking forward the implementation process in a systematic manner”, he said. The Minister further informed that a detailed 100-day action plan had been prepared for the Panchayat and Rural Development Department soon after he assumed charge.

“Today, we held an important meeting with the Principal Secretary and departmental officials and prepared the 100-day action plan. Panchayat and Rural Development is a crucial department. As envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi, villages must be developed for the overall progress of the state”, Bora said. While, highlighting the government’s rural development agenda, Bora said ensuring housing facilities for every family, especially those living in tea garden areas, would remain a major priority. “Our goal is to ensure that every family gets a house, especially families in tea garden areas. We have also decided to prioritise the advancement of self-help groups”, he said.

Asserting that there would be no shortage of funds for development activities, Bora said initiatives such as VB-GRAMG, along with MGNREGA, were creating new opportunities for strengthening rural economies. “There is no dearth of money for development work. Earlier it was MGNREGA, now VB-GRAMG initiatives are also creating new opportunities for rural development”, he said.

The minister also highlighted the Excise Department’s performance, saying it generated substantial revenue in the previous financial year and would continue adopting new strategies to improve efficiency and revenue collection. Reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive governance, Bora said the protection and welfare of minority communities would continue to remain a priority. “Protecting minorities is one of the first responsibilities of our government, and their welfare will continue to remain a priority”, he added.

In a step towards restoring normalcy in the disputed border area, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma on 07th May this year (2026) have assured the traditional heads of Ri-Bhoi district that developmental activities in the disputed Mawlasnai and surrounding villages would be taken up in coordination with the Assam Government. Assuring continued coordination with the Government of Assam to ensure non-interference in developmental activities, Sangma said that efforts are on to resolve certain discrepancies. ‘GPS and mapping discrepancies’, in which villages in the area are shown under Assam will be taken up ‘for correction with the authorities concerned’, the Chief Minister said. He further stated that village-wise electrification coverage under Central schemes would be reviewed, and that health care manpower issues in PHCs, including Mawlasnai, would be taken up with the Health Department.

On concerns of insecurity in the border areas, he said that the district administration would strengthen presence through designated officers for better monitoring and response. He also encouraged citizens to use the CM Connect helpline (1971) for grievance redressals, assuring timely action on complaints those which would be lodged. Sangma made these assurances to the traditional heads, Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong Ri Bhoi, at St Paul’s Parish Hall, Nongpoh.

Mawlasnai and other areas fall under the remaining 06 areas of dispute between Meghalaya and Assam, which will be taken up for discussion during the next round of talks. The 06 areas of difference between the two States have already been resolved. The talks had remained in limbo due to the Assembly elections in Assam. Now that the elections are over, the next round of border talks to resolve the remaining six areas is expected to begin soon.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister had also announced support for strengthening the traditional institutions and informed that an amount of Rs 50 lakh has been sanctioned for the construction of the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong, Ri-Bhoi office. Stating that the traditional institutions remain central to governance, Sangma said: “Our community and traditional institutions are our greatest strength. No development model in Meghalaya can succeed without their involvement”.

Team Maverick.