By Cornelius Laloo
Eighteen villages under Raid Nongtung in Ri Bhoi district have urged the State government to consider the historical context of Block 2 when resolving the border dispute with Assam in the second phase.
The villages, which are predominantly inhabited by the Khasi community, are Sabuda, Khliehumwang, Madan Umwang, Umtlih, Umsohlaper, Itpatung, Jatalong, Umlaper, Ummat, Pdengtliet, Umhi, Umsder, Umru, Umjaktad, Umsawlumdorbar, Umtyrshing, Umsarang, and Laru.
Local leaders said that these villages historically were never disputed areas but were forcibly included under Block 2 by Assam. Therefore, leaders said that residents have expressed their strong desire to remain within the state of Meghalaya stressing that historically Raid Nongtung is part of the Hima Khyrim Syiemship.
According to village elders, only four villages — Mawlen, Umshatri, Pantalu, and Arlongduri — are located in Block 2. However, even residents of these four villages have expressed their wish to remain with Meghalaya.
It has also been reported that Raid Nongtung comprises 34 villages in total, out of which 18 border villages were listed under the disputed Block 2.
Local leaders have already submitted formal letters to the Meghalaya government calling for a careful review before reaching a settlement with Assam. They said that the government should respect the people’s voice, to prevent any imposition of decisions, and to ensure peace, progress, and stability in these sensitive border villages.
Local leaders said that the boundary of Raid Nongtung covers Umlet to Umtyrshing up to Umkhem River in the East, From Umïam River to the boundary of Ïapgnar extending to Shika Umtung in the West, Umkhen River in the North and Umïam River in the South. This has been verified by the district administration, they added.
