Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement, Hynniewtrep United Movement apprises Dy CM of boundary issue

Staff Correspondent

SHILLONG: The Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM) and the Hynniewtrep United Movement (HUM) have separately raised the issue of alleged harassment by Assam on the residents along the inter-state border. In this regard, both these organizations separately met State Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong at his own chamber. Raising the issue of Langpih, Khanduli and other areas located in the disputed areas, the HANM memorandum stated “The incidents at Langpih have reached a crisis situation. Therefore we, look up to our State Government to find ways and means to immediately resolve the situation not only at Langpih but all along the inter-State boundary by clearly demarcating the borders once and for all”.

Ruing that the boundary talks between Assam and Meghalaya have not yielded any result, the HANM also referred to its earlier demand from the State Government to ask Assam to pull back its police outpost to the zero line because the present location of the police outpost is tantamount to encroachment. Moreover, the HANM also wants the Meghalaya Police outpost to be shifted to Khaduli border instead of Saitsama.

Further, the HANM also appealed to the government that it should appoint people from the State to the post of Deputy Commissioners and Superintendent of Police in Jaintia Hills, Ri Bhoi and West Khasi Hills districts.

Earlier, a delegation led by general secretary of the HUM CJ Ranee along with the village headmen of the affected areas also spoke on the same issues during an interaction with newspersons. However, the anxiety expressed by the sordars (village chiefs) was more on the development aspects which they fell they have been deprived of.

“In Khanduli, bordering Karbi-Anglong, most of the development work have been stopped because the Government of Meghalaya does not issue land pattas”, stated Sordar of Khanduli M Ramut, adding, “This enable the officials of the Government of Assam to question our ownership.” He exhorted the State Government to issue land deeds to enhance the claim over the land where both States are fighting for.

However, in West Khasi Hills, the story is quite different. According to the village headman of Langpih S Samakha, “Documents relating to ownership of land is with the State Government. Yet the Assam officials continue to torment them when any developmental projects is undertaken in the so-called disputed sites.”

The Deputy Chief Minister is understood to have assured the delegation that the government will into the matter on a priority basis.

Also read: Meghalaya news