NEIPF for end to Assam-Meghalaya boundary dispute

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 23, 2020

The North East Indigenous People’s Forum (NEIPF) has urged the chief ministers of Assam and Meghalaya to take concrete steps for resolving the long pending boundary dispute between the two states.

“We appeal to you to take concrete and tangible steps for lasting and acceptable solution to the boundary dispute,” said the NEIPF led by its chief convener, Anup Chetia and convener, Wellbirth Rani, in its letters to the two chief ministers – Conrad K Sangma and Sarbananda Sonowal.

The Forum also requested the two state governments to take urgent measures for maintenance of peace, security and socio-economic development along the border so that innocent villagers are not made scapegoats of the boundary dispute.

The letter said the boundary dispute between the two states has been unresolved for nearly 50 years and till date the only measure taken by both states is agreement for maintenance of the status quo.

“However, this agreement for the status quo has never brought about any improvement in the life, security and socio-economic development of people living along the inter-state border,” it said.

The letter also highlighted the untold suffering of the people residing in the border areas between Meghalaya and Assam due to continued harassment perpetrated by government officials and non-state actors which as a result soured the relationship between the two neighbouring states.

From time to time, we hear reports of harassment of people by government officials, police and even non-state actors especially in the border areas between Kamrup District and West Karbi Anglong District in Assam and West Khasi Hills District and West Jaintia Hills District in Meghalaya, it said.