The Hynñiewtrep National Youth (HNYF) has cautioned the state government to listen carefully to the voice of the residents before concluding the second phase of the border negotiations with Assam.
The first phase of the border agreement was attacked by opposition parties, pressure groups, civil society organisations and even some parties within the state government coalition. Around 18 square kilometres of the disputed territory will go to Assam under the deal to be confirmed by Parliament after a detailed study by the Survey of India. Many villagers have denounced the agreement for giving away land to Assam that they want to be part of Meghalaya.
The second phase of talks, concerning more areas of dispute, is set to begin shortly.
Speaking to reporters today in Nongpoh, HNYF Ri-Bhoi president Marcus Marten said that the pressure group has sent a strong message to the state government that the views of the people in consultation with traditional leaders should be taken and that not even one inch of Meghalaya land should be given to Assam.
According to Marten, the people of the disputed Block 2, which will be included in the upcoming negotiations, want to be part of Meghalaya and have documents that will support the state’s claim.
Meanwhile, the HNYF also strongly opposed the decision to introduce casinos in Ri-Bhoi. The government is looking to draw in gamblers from Assam and has promised that locals will be banned from entering the casinos but the HNYF is nevertheless opposed to their introduction, fearing that it will do harm to the local youth.
