The Meghalaya government today announced that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to resolve a part of the long-pending boundary dispute with Assam will be signed before August 15, paving the way for the return of five villages to Ri-Bhoi.
Regarding recurring tensions between Meghalaya and Assam that bubble to the surface every so often even though the two sides are in talks with each other, cabinet minister and government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh said that the states are moving closer to a solution.
Speaking specifically about Langpih, a highly sensitive area, he informed that all the groundwork has been completed and only a joint inspection with Assam officials remains.
Responding to criticism that the state government failed to protect residents of Lapangap village from alleged encroachment and harassment by Assam authorities, Lyngdoh defended the government’s actions.
“It’s unfair to say the government has done little. We have sent a police team and a magistrate to confront their counterparts from Assam,” he asserted.
Two days ago Lapangap erupted in fury, with villagers and members of pressure groups ripping up saplings and burning small structures that had been the initiative of the Karbi Anglong authorities. The area is disputed between Assam and Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills.
Under the status quo, development activities in disputed areas have to be sanctioned by both sides. Meghalaya is expected to protest Assam’s unilateral action.
