Shillong, Feb 15: The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) has urged the governments of Meghalaya and Assam to initiate discussions on the remaining sectors of the boundary dispute, pending the completion of the Assam state assembly elections.
Speaking to Highland Post, HSPDP chief KP Pangnaing stated that both states are eager to resolve the issue but elections in Assam have delayed talks.
The HSPDP is a junior coalition partner in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government. Impartial observers, however, will note that Assam has delayed the talks on the second phase of the border time and again for one reason or another, with the Assembly elections being the latest excuse.
“Elections, including local bodies and upcoming state Assembly polls in Assam, have put the boundary dispute talks on hold,” Pangniang said, citing the Chief Minister of Meghalaya’s views when a delegation of the party met him on the matter.
He said that the HSPDP is willing to wait for the elections to conclude, hoping for prompt discussions thereafter.
Regarding the Langpih sector (one of those still in dispute), Pangniang noted that while discussions have resolved three sectors in West Khasi Hills – Hahim, Upper Zizang and Tarabari – Langpih remains pending.
Informing that border outposts of both the states are also present at areas like Mawsikar, Umwali, etc, he said that the resolution to the Langpih dispute hinges on the stance of the Nepali community, who are at the centre surrounded by Khasi-Garo people.
While the Khasi-Garo residents want to join Meghalaya, the preference of the Nepali community “is awaited”, Pangniang said.
He urged both governments to settle the boundary dispute amicably, once for all as legitimate Indians avoiding any communal disharmony.
STILL COMMITTED TO ILP
Meanwhile, Pangniang also said that the HSPDP remains committed to pursuing the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.
The demand for ILP is a long-standing one and has always been part of the party’s manifesto, even before the resolution was passed in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in December 2019.
The HSPDP’s stance comes as the state government is pursuing alternatives to ILP given that the central government appears reluctant to sanction it.
Pangniang urged the CM to pursue the matter with the central government, seeking clarity on why ILP implementation is pending.
“The state government should pursue the matter tirelessly,” he said, adding that the central government should provide a clear answer on the issue.
He mentioned that the party has consistently raised the issue in its meetings and whenever they represent their grievances to the government.
