Shillong, Sept 9: Census officials in Assam have allegedly been pressuring people in three villages along Meghalaya-Assam border in West Khasi Hills to enrol in the ongoing Census in the neighbouring state.
The affected villages are Kampaduli, Noapara and Bangjen, according to Independent MDC from Rambrai, Lurshai Kharbani.
Kharbani quoted villagers alleging that officials from Assam have been frequently visiting the area and “disturbing” local residents.
The MDC, who raised the issue before Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday, has sought the state government’s urgent intervention in this regard.
“The people from Assam came to force our people to enrol in the Assam Census. Our people told them they don’t want to do it under Assam because they have already completed the Census under the Government of Meghalaya,” Kharbani said.
He said villagers had earlier met the Deputy Commissioner and SP of West Khasi Hills before approaching the Deputy Chief Minister.
Kharbani said he has urged the government to immediately set up a temporary police camp in the area to instil a sense of security among residents.
“We requested for a temporary camp so that people feel safe and protected from outside forces. The Deputy Chief Minister assured us that he will speak to the Chief Secretary of Assam to settle this dispute once and for all,” he said.
He added that the government has assured that the proposal for a temporary camp would be taken up on priority.
