The Khasi Hill Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has been left taken aback by Assam’s intrusion into Meghalaya territory at Ïongkhuli, Ri-Bhoi, as the village had never been in dispute before today.
Chief Executive Member (CEM) Titosstarwell Chyne expressed concern that though Assam on the one hand sounds keen to resolve the border dispute it is, on the other hand, creating further territorial quarrels with Meghalaya.
Ïongkhuli, under Raid Marwet, is well within Meghalaya territory. He added that this village does not fall under the disputed areas but, surprisingly, Assam still sent in its police and magistrates.
The CEM informed that he received a phone call from Mawhati MDC Charles Marngar, who had gone to the spot after hearing about the kerfuffle.
“I immediately asked for information and, as per records, this area falls under the jurisdiction of the KHADC under Raid Marwet, Hima Mylliem,” Chyne said.
The CEM also informed that he immediately called up Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner, RM Kurbah, to enquire about the matter.
While condemning the action of Assam authorities, the KHADC leader said, “What’s surprising is that amidst preparation to resolve the boundary disputes between the two states, Assam is instead intruding into Meghalaya and objecting to developmental activities.”
Meawnhhile, The Khasi Students Union (KSU) has expressed its fury regarding the incident.
Stating that the encroachment and suppression from the Assam side into the Meghalaya has happened again and again, Ferdynald K Kharkamni, president of the KSU’s district unit, said that if the government of Meghalaya keeps turning a blind eye and remains silent, such incidents could lead to bloodshed.
The Assam government has often tried to forcefully encroach into Meghalaya and used the Assam police and the non-Khasi people who dwell in the villages of Raid Marwet, Raid Nongtung (Block II), Balakhwa Hima Nongspung, Hima Jirang and Langpangap, Khanduli, Sahsniang and many other areas in Ri-Bhoi and Jaiñtia Hills, he said.
“This is happening because Meghalaya is docile to the Assam government and does not dare to take action against Assam but hides behind the status quo while the Meghalayans in the border areas suffer and live a very fearful life,” Kharkamni stated.
The KSU said that the Assam police and administration pay no heed to the Meghalaya government, which is the very reason that the people of the state in the border areas face such behaviour from their neighbours.
The people have been pleading for greater police presence and have even offered their land to the Meghalaya government for this but to no avail, he added.
