There have been further reports of interference by authorities from Assam in the Ri-Bhoi border area, with Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun conducting a swift inspection to ascertain the extent of the issue.
Assam has reportedly halted work on a central government project being implemented by the Water Resources Department (WRD) in Hawla village.
Meanwhile, in Maikhuli village, Assam police reportedly dismantled a signboard of a fishery pond constructed under the rural employment guarantee scheme (MGNREGS). Sohtun visited Maikhuli today and Hawla yesterday and has raised the twin matters with the Meghalaya government, urging the need for action. He also informed the Ri-Bhoi district administration and state police. Magistrates and police personnel have reportedly been deployed in both Hawla and Maikhuli.
Speaking to reporters, Sohtun strongly condemned the actions of the authorities from Assam, which have taken place despite ongoing efforts to resolve the border dispute between the two states.
He praised the residents of Maikhuli for their courage in resisting the dismantling of the signboard and standing firm in defence of their land.
