The Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) is adamant that any deal between Meghalaya and Assam to resolve Phase 2 of the border talks should first be placed on the floor of the Assembly before being signed.
This is exactly what the Meghalaya government did not do in Phase 1, only sharing the agreement with the Assembly (and general public) after it was signed between the two Chief Ministers in New Delhi in March this year.
There was great frustration, anger and a feeling of betrayal by many residents who wished to be part of Meghalaya but found their villages at the mercy of Assam. The CM, Conrad K Sangma, has repeatedly asserted that there can be no renegotiation of the deal.
KHNAM’s youth wing wants the Assembly to be regularly informed of the progress of any Phase 2 deal, with reports by the regional committees set up to ascertain the ground realities in the disputed areas to be placed in the Assembly via a special session before a deal is signed.
Thorough discussions are required, so that discontentment can be avoided, especially as contentious areas such as Blocks 1 and 2 as well as Langpih are going to be discussed in Phase 2.
