The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has expressed grave concern that the state government appears not to have detailed land records pertaining to Meghalaya’s border, which is disputed in places with Assam.
In a memorandum to Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, who also holds the District Council Affairs portfolio, HITO was shocked that the government had to rely on the district councils to help bolster Meghalaya’s case in the dispute.
The state government is reportedly seeking the assistance of the councils in collecting land documentation for the border areas.
“If this is true, then does it mean that the MDA government is telling us that the people of the state have all been lied to by the previous governments with regards to the border issues?” HITO president Donbok Dkhar said. “HITO feels that if the assistance of the ADCs is needed, the government should also lead a delegation consisting of representation from the ADCs when meeting the Union Home Minister and not relegate them to being mere spectators.”
HITO also demanded that the government put the recommendations of the All-Party Committee on Boundary in the public domain so that all stakeholders are aware of the issues.
Dkhar said that the people urgently need to know whether border residents are truly part of Meghalaya or if they will continue to remain in perpetual suspended animation under the shadow of Assam.
