Guwahati, June 28 -- Meghalaya is set to regain control of five villages in the Ri-Bhoi district from Assam, as the two state governments expect to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by August 15.

Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA)spokesperson and Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh confirmed the development on Friday, stating, "Before August 15, we will sign an MoU with the Assam government, whereby five new villages will come back to us."

Minister Lyngdoh expressed optimism, indicating that ongoing talks are bringing the states closer to a permanent solution.

He stated that the government did not act inactively regarding the dispute, particularly concerning issues that Lapangap residents faced.

"We sent a magistrate to confront the...