Had talked to Assam CM on border dispute: Sangma

Shillong, Sep 12 (PTI) Meghalaya Chief Minister MukulSangma today said he had taken up with his Assam counterpartSarbananda Sonowal the issue of resolving the inter-stateboundary problem. "I have taken up with my counterparts on the sidelinesof our meetings. I have also written a letter drawing hisattention on the need for resumption of dialogue," Sangmatold the Assembly during question hour. He said Meghalaya’s stand on the claims of ownership ofthe disputed areas along the inter-state borders has beenvery strong backed by proper documents. The chief minister was replying to a query posed byHill State Peoples’ Democratic Party (HSPDP) legislator PPangniang who sought to know the latest status of the talkswith Assam. Sangma narrated the steps taken by his government inthe past which included a resolution unanimously passed in2011 on the need to have a border commission. The resolution was countered by the then Congressgovernment led by Tarun Gogoi in Assam following which a newstrategy was adopted, he said. Leader of Opposition Donkupar Roy said certain areasknown as Block I and Block II were transferred to Assam in the1970s. "We want them back. We do not need documents," he said. Meghalaya and Assam have at least 12 disputed pocketsincluding the two Blocks in Ri-Bhoi and Jaintia Hillsdistricts and the areas at Langpih in West Khasi Hillsdistrict. PTI JOP NNKIS