Shillong, Aug 20: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma spoke with Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday regarding the violence in Shillong on August 19 and the reactions that followed, which have affected common people and commuters in both states.
Taking to X, Sangma said the two states have agreed to work together to normalise the situation and safeguard their longstanding ties.
“We have agreed to work together, as always, to normalise the situation. Designated Cabinet Ministers from both States will meet to take the discussions forward and explore ways to restore peace, trust and normalcy,” he posted.
The Chief Minister also appealed for calm. “Appeal to citizens of both States to maintain peace, harmony and restraint. Meghalaya and Assam share deep bonds, and we must work together to protect them,” he said.
As part of the agreed approach, Cabinet Ministers nominated by both governments will meet soon to discuss measures to restore confidence along the border and in travel corridors.
The intervention comes amid concerns over the impact on ordinary citizens and commuters travelling between the two neighbouring states. Meghalaya and Assam share deep social, economic and familial ties, with people from both states regularly travelling across the border for work, education, healthcare, business and other purposes.
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma also posted on X, saying he had conveyed Assam’s concern over the recent incidents in Shillong. Calling Assam and Meghalaya “sister States,” he said the two are bound by “deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties” and stressed that “mutual respect, restraint and sensitivity must guide us at all times.”
The Government of Meghalaya said it remains committed to addressing concerns through dialogue and established democratic and constitutional mechanisms, while ensuring the safety, dignity and rights of citizens of both states.
