Meghalaya Puts Assam Border Talks on Hold Until New Government Is Formed

Talks hinge on Assam appointing a new committee chair after the election.

Overview

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said Tuesday the next round of border talks will start only after a new Assam government is in place.
He said the meetings cannot proceed until Assam sets up its regional committees and names a chair to lead its side.
Assam voted for its 126-seat assembly on April 9, and vote counting on May 4 will decide who represents the state in the dialogue.
On the Shillong airport project, Dhar said the tender is allotted, work should begin soon, and construction is expected to finish in about 18 months.
The states signed agreements in 2022 covering six of 12 disputed areas, yet Dhar said there is still no fixed timeline to settle the remaining stretches.