The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) has advised the State government to tread carefully when it comes to considering any give-and-take put forward by Assam in discussions over the disputed border between the two states as this could cost Meghalaya dearly when it comes to Langpih.
The village in West Khasi Hills was the site of a massacre of four Khasi residents who were fired on by Assam police in 2010. Another dozen or so people were also injured in the incident.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, HSPDP Nongstoiñ unit general secretary Michael Thongni said that while Assam’s offer of compromise might appear to be a solution to the longstanding impasse, the fate of Langpih is hanging in the balance.
“The residents of Langpih have continually been in a state of mental distress as they face regular threats, destruction of crops and summary taxation imposed by Assam, which claims the land,” Thongni said. “It is sad that our wounds are yet to heal from the situation where four Khasi men were killed defending their own land.”
Attempts by Assam to encroach on Meghalaya territory continue even up to today despite agreements between the states to maintain the status quo.
“We suggest that the government under the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s leadership constitute a professional team to consult with locals and stakeholders in the area by studying documentation before the discussion of give-and-take,” the HSPDP said. “We are afraid that if this matter is not solved at the earliest, the feelings of community difference between Meghalaya and Assam will persist.”
Thongni also urged Sangma to convince the Union Home Minister Amit Shah of the need for the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.
