The signing of the agreement between Assam and Meghalaya for resolving the boundary dispute in six areas of differences is expected to take place in New Delhi on March 27.
This was informed by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in the Assembly today while replying to the budget discussion.
“The signing of this agreement and the final discussion with the Ministry of Home Affairs will take place within this month itself. The tentative date which has come to me is March 27,” Sangma said while replying to the budget discussion in the Assembly.
Meanwhile, traditional heads from Hima Nongspung, Hima Jirang, Hima Mylliem, Hima Nonglang and Hima Jyrngam have today stated that they are unhappy with the boundary settlement in their areas.
The Acting Syiems of Hima Mylliem, Hima Nongspung and Hima Jirang along with the Sirdars of Nonglang and Jyrngam today had a meeting with Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member Titos Chyne to discuss the issue.
The Acting Syiem of Hima Mylliem said that the proposed boundary settlement in Ri-Bhoi district will result in Hima Mylliem losing many parts of Raid Marwet including Them Marwet, Khanapara, Maikhuli and adjoining areas as they will be brought under Assam.
He also said that villagers from Maikhuli, Raid Marwet, Paham Kanshu and others have written to the KHADC expressing their strong opposition to the proposed boundary settlement.
They have also urged the KHADC to take up the matter with the State government so that the boundary agreement was done with the consent of traditional heads of the area.
Similarly, the Sirdar of Nonglang said that people of his area are kept in the dark about the entire boundary settlement process.
He urged the KHADC to take up with the State government on the matter, especially on the move to bring Tutia Bazar under Assam.
Syiem of Jirang also questioned the erection of boundary survey pillar by Assam in his area when the boundary settlement has not been finalised.
He also said that he had lodged a complaint on this matter with the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi district since February 5 but no action was taken on the complaint.
Meanwhile, Chyne said that KHADC would write to the State government on all the points raised by the traditional heads. He also expressed the hope that some positive things would happen before the agreement is signed.
On the boundary pillar erected by Assam, Chyne said that since the boundary agreement has not been finalised, Assam has no authority to erect such pillars.
