Shillong: A high-level meeting between officials of Meghalaya and Assam to resolve the vexed boundary dispute ended inconclusively today, with both sides renewing their claims over the disputed areas.

Official sources said Meghalaya renewed its claim over the disputed Langpih area, that had recently shot to limelight after Assam government laid foundation stones of some office quarters there, prompting protests from Meghalaya.

Assam substantiated its claims citing the Y V Chandrachud report of 1988, which, after detailed study of historical records and deliberations , had upheld Assam claims.

The Chandrachud committee was set up by the Centre to settle the boundary between the two states in 1985.

However, Meghalaya government had rejected the report then. "We had never accepted the report due to certain contradictions in it," Meghalaya Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee, who led the officials of the state, said.

During the meeting held at Byrnihat in Meghalaya near the Assam border, both sides discussed recent reports of encroachment on either side, and produced documents like voters lists, lists of fair price shops and revenue receipts to substantiate their claims.

As both sides stuck to their claims, the meet decided to maintain status quo and make further efforts to resolve it in an amicable way.

While there are 12 areas of difference between the two states, Meghalaya claimed that Assam has encroached 146 villages inside its territory.

Meghalaya government has recently set up a police outpost at Lejadubi, and is likely to set up a permanent one at Langpih.
Source : PTI