The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has decided to move the court against the recent boundary agreement signed between Meghalaya and Assam which transferred lands belonging to five Himas to Assam.
The decision was taken today at a meeting convened by the boundary committee of KHADC with the traditional chiefs of Hima Mylliem, Hima Nongspung, Hima Jirang (in Ri-Bhoi), Hima Nonglang and Hima Jyrngam Sirdarship (in West Khasi Hills).
“We have unanimously decided to legally challenge the memorandum of understanding signed between Meghalaya and Assam,” KHADC Executive Member in-charge Elaka Administration, Jambor War said.
War also informed that a coordination committee composed of representatives from KHADC and the five Himas has been set up to examine all relevant issues and submit a report to the boundary committee before moving the court.
Meanwhile, boundary committee member Pynshngain N. Syiem said that the KHADC will decide which court to move the writ petition only after the coordination committee has submitted its report to the boundary committee of KHADC.
“We have decided to take this matter to court after the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister had categorically stated that there is no chance of revisiting the signed MoU,” Syiem said.
Syiem who also termed the boundary agreement as unconstitutional, also said that transfer of lands falling under the jurisdiction of Himas is against the Constitution of India.
“The boundary of the State is based on the boundary of the Khasi states. The Assam Reorganisation Act, 1969 had clearly mentioned that the boundary of the autonomous Meghalaya State will be as per defined in the Sixth Schedule where the boundary of the Khasi states will be the boundary of the autonomous State,” he said.
