The continuing boundary dispute between Assam and Meghalaya was highlighted once again after the Chief Executive Member of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), Benedict Marak, wrote to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma seeking his intervention into the matter.
Benedict asserted that the matter needed an early solution for the interest of the people of Garo Hills, especially those living near the boundary with Assam.
“Illegal activities are indulged in by agents of Assam well inside the territory of Meghalaya which is a gross violation of the agreement signed by the administrations of both sides,” he said.
The CEM highlighted places in Garo Hills, including Rongsai, Solairtek (Naga Bund) Kasaripara, Panbari and Hallidayganj, which have become problem areas due to the illegal encroachment by residents of Assam.
He contended that the lack of an adequate police force, with there being only four police stations on the 101km stretch, has been exploited by the encroachers and has created problems in peaceful coexistence, public peace and harmony.
“These areas are densely populated and cannot be handled by only 4 police stations (Phulbari, Tikrikilla, Rajabala and Hallidayganj). Encroachment cannot be monitored due to lack of resources,” he stated.
The GHADC CEM further pointed to vast tracts of land that were lying idle in B-Mahal areas, which he felt was paving the way for illegal settlements and plantations of rubber, areca nuts etc.
“In order to contain such activities, battalion camps may be set up in the area. While this will create local job opportunities, it will also help protect these places from encroachment. Further, more numbers of police stations and training camps can also be set up,” said Benedict.
The letter to the CM comes after a meeting between executive committee members. Earlier, the Deputy CEM, Nikman Marak, had also raised the matter of illegal occupation of land by residents of Assam in the border areas.
