Shillong, June 7: Meghalaya is ready to resume operations at border haats along the India-Bangladesh frontier, but the reopening depends on consent from Bangladesh, said UDP MLA Olan Sing Suin.
Speaking on the stalled border trade, Suin stressed that both sides must agree before haats can function again.
“From our side we are ready to open the border haats, but it depends on Bangladesh because they have refused and are not ready to open the border haats. Both Meghalaya and Bangladesh must be ready to open them, only then can we open the border haats. Otherwise, it cannot happen from one side alone. We need an agreement and consent from both Meghalaya and Bangladesh,” he said.
Suin highlighted the economic impact of the haats on local communities, noting that his constituency shares a border with Bangladesh and has two operational haats when active.
“Where we share a border with Bangladesh, we have two border haats in my constituency. When the border haats are in operation, even small traders and merchants earn a good income. They sell goods at the border haats and buy goods from there to sell in our state. The border haats provide revenue income to support their families and help them earn their livelihood,” he said.
The MLA said he has already taken up the matter with the state government and urged faster diplomatic follow-up with the Centre.
“Yes, I have already pursued the matter with the Chief Minister, and it is the duty of the Chief Minister to take it up with the Central government so that the matter can be resolved at the earliest,” Suin stated.
He added that while Meghalaya has pushed the issue, there has been no response from the Bangladesh side so far.
“Yes, the Chief Minister has already pursued the matter. From the Bangladesh side they are keeping quiet till now. So, we are waiting for the best to come,” he said.
