Cases of border disputes along the Meghalaya-Assam border continued with allegations being made that Assam’s South Salmara block has allocated PMAY houses within what is rightfully Meghalaya territory.
Local Meghalaya residents identified at least four houses under the central government scheme that are currently being erected in the Solairtek area near Phulbari in West Garo Hills by the Assam government. Furthermore, they also added that many footpaths, a mosque as well as a college have now been set up along with signboards proclaiming the land to be part of Assam.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh has been informed of the new incursion. Similar instances have also been notified along the entire stretch of the plains belt on the border between the two states.
Giving a history lesson on the intrusions made, the resident complainants stated that people from Assam have been pushing into Meghalaya, especially into Majhipara and Solairtek over decades due to flooding in the neighbouring state. However, instead of returning to their homes once the floods receded, they began permanently occupying areas within Meghalaya.
These intrusions were of such a degree that even the South Salmara police outpost was set up (and in fact remains) on Meghalaya territory.
“The Assam government has constructed footpaths while setting up the South Salmara College and encouraging people from Assam to come and settle in these places. This is clear disrespect for the administration of the state of Meghalaya and its borders,” said the complainants.
The matter has also been informed to the local police administration, though without an official sanction or order there is not much they can do.
Singh is also waiting for an official complaint to be made to him before an investigation can begin.
