Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district celebrated the inauguration of a new stadium at Umlaper, which lies in the disputed Block II region claimed by both Meghalaya and Assam, today, to the general consternation of the people of Ri-Bhoi.
Mawhati MDC Charles Marngar, of the Congress, has sought for Meghalaya to strongly oppose this move by the neighbouring state as one that violates the status quo that exists in the disputed areas.
Both states had agreed in August that no new development work should be undertaken by either administration in these areas until the border disputes are worked out.
“I called [Chief Minister] Conrad Sangma, who did not pick up the phone, and then I called up Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and apprised him of the matter and he told me that he will look into it. I also called up the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi, who told me that discussions between the DC of Ri-Bhoi and DC of West Karbi Anglong on August 26 had seen both states agree not to take on any developmental work and maintain the status quo amid the boundary talks that are going on,” Marngar said, adding that the fencing at Umlaper is also is in full swing.
Informing that the stadium was inaugurated today by the MP of Karbi Anglong, he condemned the Assam government for, he said, paying no heed to the status quo but also asserted that the Meghalaya government has given free rein to Assam to act this way because of cowardice.
“The lack of serious attitude of our government allows the Assam government to do whatever they like. This has made me suspect that something behind the scenes is going on,” he said, adding that Sangma should take up this matter seriously and ensure that such activities are not repeated.
