Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today said that the process for the second round of talks between the two states for resolving the border dispute has become “slightly complicated” after the Mukroh violence.
“We may not be able to go forward (with the talks) immediately. It could get delayed,” the chief minister said.
Sangma said the government is still committed to resolve the long pending inter-state boundary dispute. “We want to work as fast as possible to resolve it because that’s the only permanent way to ensure that these kinds of incidents can be completely avoided in the future. But because of the unfortunate incident that took place, circumstances have changed,” he said.
Meanwhile, the cabinet approved a proposal to set up police outposts at seven locations including Mukroh.
The seven BOPs include Muriap in East Jaiñtia Hills, Mukroh and Tihwieh in West Jaiñtia Hills, Rani (Jirang) in Ri Bhoi and Umwali, Lejadubi and Langpih in West Khasi Hills.
The chief minister said there will be no issues from Assam as the BOPs will be set up within non-areas of differences. He said the required manpower and infrastructure will be immediately sanctioned and created.
The cabinet also decided that outpost will be officially sanctioned for Athiabari in West Khasi Hills while the outposts at Patharkhmah in Ri Bhoi and Kyrshai in West Khasi Hills will be upgraded to full-fledged police stations.
The chief minister informed that the Director General of Police has been asked to make a visit to the sensitive areas in Block II and come back with a proposal for setting up of an outpost in consultation with the locals.
According to the CM, expenses for operating each of the seven BOPs will be around Rs two crore annually.
