Representatives of 39 villages from the disputed Langpih area have informed the state government, ahead of the second phase of border talks with Assam, that they all want to be part of Meghalaya.
The first phase of negotiations has proven controversial as many villages are angry at having their land given over to Assam. While many claim that they were not consulted, the government line is that all stakeholders gave their inputs. Perhaps to make doubly sure that this controversy does not crop up when their villages are discussed between the two states, the 39 villages have made it abundantly clear that they wish to be part of Meghalaya.
The delegation of village Sordars and headmen were led by Rambrai Jyrngam MDC Bajop Pyngrope to a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong today where they presented the latter with a memorandum.
With Langpih being one of the most sensitive border areas, Pyngrope confidently said that 95 per cent of the population want to be part of Meghalaya State, with the remaining five percent – made up of people from the Hajong, Rabha and Nepali communities – undecided. Twenty of the 39 villages are dominated by Khasis and the other 19 by Garos.
To make their intentions clear, Meghalaya supporting villagers have given up their Assam voter IDs, Pyngrope informed.
