The second phase of discussions over the longstanding border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya has begun at the state secretariat at Dispur in Guwahati on Sunday.

According to reports, representatives of both the sides have arrived and the meeting has convened.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma arrived today in Guwahati and has reportedly reached the secretariat where talks are underway.

Meanwhile, the Assam CM, Himanta Biswa Sarma is accompanied by cabinet ministers Atul Bora and Pijush Hazarik, along with high-level officials.

It may be noted that earlier, the two CMs of the neighbouring northeastern states had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to resolve differences over six of the 12 areas of dispute along the border.

The MoU was signed by the chief ministers of both the states in March this year in presence of Union home minister Amit Shah in Delhi to end the five-decade-old border issues.

The six disputed areas in Assam and Meghalaya that were taken up for final settlement in March included Tarabari which is 4.69 square kilometers, Gizang with 13.53 square kilometers area, Hahim with 3.51 square kilometers, Boklapara with 1.57 square kilometers, 2.29 square kilometers area of Khanapara-Pilangkata and Ratacherra with 11.20 square kilometers.

The other six areas include villages in disputed blocks 1 and 2 transferred from the then United Khasi and Jaintia district to Assam’s Karbi Anglong district for administrative convenience in the 1950s.

Notably, Meghalaya was carved out of Assam and both the states share a 733 kilometers boundary.