Amid sustained efforts by Assam and Meghalaya to resolve their decades-old interstate boundary dispute, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday asserted that there is “no friction” between the two neighbouring States, signalling that the dialogue-driven approach adopted by both governments has helped maintain peace even in historically sensitive border areas. His remarks, made during his visit to Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills for the Behdieñkhlam festival, assume significance as one of the unresolved stretches of the boundary lies between West Jaintia Hills and Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district.
Invited as the chief guest at the indigenous festival, Sarma said the two governments have remained in continuous communication and have acted swiftly whenever tensions surfaced along the interstate border.
“There is no there is no friction (boundary dispute) and whenever something happens we resolve that immediately with the spirit of friendship,” he said.
The Assam Chief Minister said he has remained in regular contact with his Meghalaya counterpart as well as the Deputy Chief Ministers to ensure that the dialogue process continues uninterrupted.
“I keep on meeting CM and Deputy CM, so channel of discussion is always open,” he said.
He indicated that discussions on the remaining boundary issues were progressing smoothly and said “everything is settled”, referring to the ongoing work of the regional committees constituted by the two States to carry forward negotiations on the unresolved sectors.
Assam and Meghalaya continue to negotiate six remaining areas of difference along their shared boundary after signing an agreement in 2022 to resolve the first phase of the dispute. Sarma’s participation in the Behdieñkhlam festival is particularly significant as West Jaintia Hills shares one of the most sensitive unresolved border stretches with West Karbi Anglong.
The Lapangap area in Meghalaya and the adjoining Tapat village in Assam have witnessed periodic tensions in recent years over territorial claims. However, coordinated intervention by both State governments has helped prevent the situation from escalating and restored normalcy through sustained engagement.
Extending greetings on the occasion of the festival, Sarma said, “I have a message of goodwill from the state of Assam to our brothers in Meghalaya and most specifically to the brothers and sisters of Jaintia Hills. I convey lots of good wishes and pray for the success of the festival.”
Behdieñkhlam is among the most significant festivals of the Pnar community in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills and is observed by followers of the indigenous Niamtre faith. Celebrated as a thanksgiving festival, it is marked by the construction and procession of elaborately decorated rots (ceremonial chariots) and traditional rituals symbolising prayers for protection from disease, peace and prosperity.
Assam CM Sees ‘No Friction’ in Meghalaya Border Dispute, Uses Behdieñkhlam Visit to Reinforce Ties
