KHADC to reconstitute boundary dispute committee

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 25, 2020

The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has decided to re-constitute the boundary dispute committee for collection of land documents from the traditional Himas and landowners along the inter-state border with Assam.

“We will soon re-constitute this committee to further collect the land documents,” KHADC chief executive member (CEM) Titosstar Chyne said while replying to a motion raised by Rambrai-Jyrngam MDC Bajop Pyngrope on Thursday. 

He informed that the boundary committee was constituted by the previous executive committee led by PN Syiem with the objective to help the state government build a strong case in resolving the long pending boundary dispute.

There are 12 areas of differences at present between Assam and Meghalaya. 

These are Upper Tarabari, Gizang Reserve Forest, Hahim area, Langpih area, Bordwar area, Nongwah Mawtamur area, Pilangkata Khanapara area, Deshdemoria area, Khanduli area, Umkhyrni Psiar area, Areas of Block I and Block II and Ratacherra area.

The CEM also urged the members to encourage people residing at border to register their lands with the council. 

“I also appeal to them to refrain from availing benefits from Assam including  the practice of being dual voters as this will create more problem,” he said.

On the issue related to developmental activities, Chyne assured that he would take up the matter with the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).

“We will have to revive the FOCUSS formed by ADCs of the North eastern region to discuss on this issue,” he said. 

Mawhati MDC Charles Marngar has informed that some of the headmen have expressed fear that Assam would dismantle construction of infrastructures taken up from MDC scheme. 

“I request the EC to take up this matter with its counterpart, KAAC (to ensure status quo is maintained as far as developmental activities is concerned),” he said.

On the other hand, Pyngrope has slammed the state government for neglecting the people residing along the inter-state border. 

“While the government has totally neglected the development of the villages at border, the Assam government has undertaken various developmental activities and this has compelled the residents to have a double mind and turn to Assam. Therefore, it is high time that the KHADC take steps to restore the confidence of the border residents,” he said.

The Rambrai-Jyrngam MDC also suggested the need to further empower the Himas which are having jurisdiction along the inter-state border.

With regards to the issue of international border, the CEM further assured  that the EC will soon write to the state government to prevent illegal entry of foreigners, who are involved in destroying agricultural produces of local people.