Shillong, Jan 27: In a step forward towards resolving the long-pending dispute over Block-I area between Meghalaya and Assam, the state government has asked West Jaintia Hills district administration to submit details on the villages along the existing border.
In a meeting of the regional committee formed by the government to resolve the border dispute, the deputy commissioner was asked to submit a report on the number of villages under Block-I area within six months.
Data related to the villages’ population, demographic pattern and types of tribes residing in the area have been sought from the DC in the meeting held in December last year.
After submission of the report by the DC, the government will coordinate with Assam when both sides are ready to meet, said deputy chief minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar on Monday.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Hynniewtrep Achik National Movember (HANM) met the deputy chief minister, who is also head of the regional committee, to request him to speed up the process of resolving the border issue.
The regional committee of Meghalaya and Assam will meet only after the upcoming autonomous district council (ADC) elections, he said.
The second phase of border talks for resolving the remaining six areas of difference between the two states is likely to start soon.
The six areas include Langpih in West Khasi Hills district, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Deshdoomreah, Block-II in Ri Bhoi district and Block-I, Psiar-Khanduli in West Jaintia Hills district.
In its memorandum, the HANM requested the state government to take up the matter with government of Assam and Government of India to ensure justice and compassion for people living on Meghalaya side.
Informing about its recent visit to the border villages, the HANM said, “The tales of woe and neglect that we encountered during our interactions with village elders of eight villages – Mowpud, Shnong Thymme, Mowbhar, Mowjem, Mowlain, Madan Nangkylla, Sapiang, and Langet, are a stark reminder of the systemic failures that have plagued our people for far too long.”
“The harsh realities that our people face on a daily basis are a blot on our collective humanity. Lack of government assistance, including benefits under the National Food Security Act, has only exacerbated their struggles. The inaccessibility to employment guarantees under the Mahatma National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has further entrenched poverty and desperation in these communities,” it stated.
