Shillong, Feb 16: The state government has taken “a significant step” toward resolving Meghalaya’s boundary dispute with Assam by installing demarcation pillars in two of the six agreed sectors, Governor CH Vijayashankar told the assembly during his address for the budge session that began on Monday.
“The installation of boundary pillars along the Assam-Meghalaya border is a significant step towards implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between Assam and Meghalaya for six areas of difference,” the governor said.
Informing that the demarcation drive is ongoing, he said, “54 pillars have been erected in Hahim area and 83 in Gizang area.” This makes total boundary pillars erected so far as 137.
He also highlighted stepped-up vigil on Meghalaya’s international frontier.
“The State has also heightened security along the Indo-Bangladesh border through close coordination with the BSF by boosting intelligence efforts and tightening surveillance,” Vijayashankar noted.
On policing capacity, he highlighted the recently opened Counter Insurgency & Jungle Warfare School in Baghmara, saying it “strengthens the State’s ability to train specialised forces for high-risk counter-insurgency and anti-terror operations.”
The Governor also charted changes to the justice system, noting that Meghalaya has begun implementing the three new criminal codes.
“The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam are modernizing the criminal justice system in the State,” he said.
Rules for digital evidence (e-Sakshya), e-summons and community-service punishments have been notified.
“Mobile Forensic Vehicles have been procured for every district, and forensic teams sanctioned for every district will strengthen investigations,” Vijayashankar added.
