Given the resentment expressed by many border villagers regarding the proposed settlement of the inter-state boundary dispute between Meghalaya and Assam, United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Jemino Mawthoh has maintained that the state government has to take this opposition into consideration before the deal goes into effect.
Maintaining that consultation is an ongoing process and involvement of all the concerned stakeholders is a must, he said a government should respect the sentiments of those people living in the areas concerned and arrive at a better formula.
“The Meghalaya government should also tread cautiously and look ahead on the pros and cons of this settlement,” he added.
Nevertheless, the UDP leader expressed appreciation that the government, of which his party is a coalition member, has taken the initiative in getting this far with regards to the border dispute, which has existed since Meghalaya became a separate state.
“Thirty meetings, including at the Chief Secretary and Chief Minister level were not able to move this issue forward and we need to appreciate the proactive role of the government this time,” he said, adding that the demands from both sides should be justifiable and not derail the matter that has been stagnant for so many decades.
