Assam govt says Langpin ''non-negotiable''

Guwahati, June 8 (UNI) The Assam government today toughened its claim over the disputed Langpih area along the Meghalaya border, stating it to be ''non-negotiable''.

''Langpih is not a disputed area, it belongs to Assam and there can be no negotiation on it,'' state government spokesperson and Cabinet Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said here.

He affirmed that Assam wanted to maintain cordial and amiable relations with its neighbouring states but not at the cost of forsaking its rightful land.

The Assam government's toughened stand assumes greater significance as Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy is scheduled to hold discussions with his Assam counterpart Tarun Gogoi on June 11 over the vexed border disputes, with focus on Langpih.

Both the states have staked claim over the area, with each trying to outdo the other by announcing developmental schemes for Langpih.

Dr Sharma said to avert such disputes in the future, Assam had decided to construct a road on its land along the Meghalaya border from Rani to Koinadhora.

To be built at a cost of Rs 100 crore, the 34-km road would be completed within three years, he added.

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