2nd round of border talks likely in May

Meghalaya and Assam are likely to start the second round of border talks next month for finding an amicable solution to resolve the remaining six areas of difference between the two states.

Informing this today, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “Sometime in the month of May, we will try to initiate the first round of discussion or continue the next round of discussion of border talks. Let the time come, I expect that maybe in the month of May we will be able to see the next phase (of border talks).”

On March 24, the state government reconstituted the three Regional Committees to examine the present status of the remaining six areas of differences and submit their reports within 45 days.

The six areas of difference include Langpih in West Khasi Hills District; Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Deshdoomreah, Block-II in Ri Bhoi District; Block- I, Psiar – Khanduli in West Jaintia Hills District.

The two deputy chief ministers – Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar – will head the regional committees for Ri Bhoi District and West Jaintia Hills District respectively while cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh will be the chairman of the regional committee for West Khasi Hills District.

NE Cancer Hospital patients get a massive scare

Residents of Mawsmai (11 Mile area), Jorabat and patients of the North East Cancer Hospital escaped injuries after a transformer located in front of the entrance to the hospital burst into flame today.

Fortunately, quick thinking and action by the residents who quickly doused the flames prevented any injuries.

The cause of the fire could not be ascertained by the filing of this report. The incident occurred at around 12:30 AM just outside the campus of the North East Cancer Hospital within the Jorabat Police Outpost.

Those who witnessed the sudden blaze immediately informed the fire station in Guwahati whose personnel rushed to the spot to take control of the situation and after a few hours of continuous efforts by the firefighters, the blaze was doused.