The upcoming 2026 Assam assembly elections may put brakes on the sensitive border talks between Assam and Meghalaya. Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong voiced concern on Friday over the expected slowdown in negotiations due to shifting political priorities.
Tynsong’s statement comes at a crucial juncture. Talks between both states had gained momentum in recent months, with several rounds of joint inspections being conducted in disputed areas.
Political Season Could Derail Progress
Speaking to reporters in Shillong, Tynsong said the “election mood” in Assam could divert attention away from the long-standing border disputes. He noted that while officials have been working hard on site verifications, political will is critical to final settlements.
“Once election preparations begin in Assam, the focus will naturally shift. Border talks need active coordination, and political leadership plays a central role,” he said.
Tynsong stressed that delays in meetings and joint visits to sensitive areas would likely push the resolution further. This could affect people living near contested borders, who have been waiting for decades for clarity and peace.
Joint Inspections Face Uncertainty: Polls
Currently, Assam and Meghalaya are focusing on resolving disputes in six of the remaining twelve friction zones. Joint inspection teams, including district officials from both states, were scheduled to visit several areas this quarter. These visits involve ground surveys, verifying land claims, and speaking with local residents.
However, with the Model Code of Conduct expected to kick in by early 2026, such activities may be halted.
“Once the Code of Conduct is in place, no new meetings or visits are allowed unless permitted by the Election Commission,” a senior Meghalaya official explained.
This procedural freeze could stall the confidence-building process, a key ingredient in the resolution framework signed by both states in 2022.
Early Gains, but Long Road Ahead
The Assam-Meghalaya border dispute spans 12 locations across 884.9 sq km. In the first phase, both states resolved six points of contention, covering around 36 per cent of the disputed area.
Chief Ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma and Conrad K. Sangma had publicly committed to settling the remaining six sectors within a fixed timeframe. But with elections now looming, observers say this timeline could stretch significantly.
“We don’t want the process to go cold again,” said Tynsong. “People living in the border villages need closure.”
Stakes for Local Communities
The prolonged dispute has caused hardship for border residents. Many complain about lack of governance, confusion over jurisdiction, and constant fear of violence.
In areas like Langpih, residents face issues with land documents, access to healthcare, and schooling. Local panchayats often do not know which state to turn to for assistance.
With talks slowing down, these communities may once again be left in limbo.
“We had hopes when the first six disputes were resolved. Now it feels like we’re being forgotten,” said a school teacher from the disputed area near Nongwah.
Tension within Assam Politics Polls
Assam’s ruling coalition, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is preparing for a heated election. Internal reshuffles and public events have already begun. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has been focusing on development projects and voter outreach programs.
Political analysts suggest that while border talks are important, they are unlikely to be front and center during the campaign.
“Border talks are complex and quiet processes. Elections are noisy and quick. The two don’t mix well,” said Dr. P. Choudhury, a political science professor at Gauhati University.
A Call for Continued Engagement
Despite the political challenges, Tynsong urged both governments to keep lines of communication open. He suggested that a buffer team of senior bureaucrats from both states could carry forward technical groundwork, even if political meetings pause.
“We should not let the process die. Even if top leaders are busy, groundwork should continue,” he said.
Tynsong also expressed hope that once elections are over, the renewed government in Assam would re-engage with full commitment.
Looking Ahead For Polls
The next few months will be critical. If joint inspections and review meetings are delayed, the final resolution could be pushed to late 2026 or beyond.
While both states had taken strong steps forward in resolving decades-old tensions, the upcoming Assam polls now stand as a major test for that progress.
For more updates on the Assam-Meghalaya border dispute, follow the latest developments at Meghalaya Government Portal and Assam CM’s Office.
