Although Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has repeatedly said that it is impossible to revisit the controversial border deal signed by him with Assam, Jemino Mawthoh, a senior figure in the United Democratic Party (UDP) can see no problem with it.
The agreement, meant to resolve the dispute between the two states over six areas of difference, has drawn intense criticism from various quarters, especially the residents of these border areas.
Although it is a coalition ally of Sangma’s, the UDP has not held back from criticising the deal, with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, which is led by the UDP in the form of Chief Executive Member Titosstarwell Chyne, planning to move court over the issue.
“We the UDP have expressed dissatisfaction since there is disgruntlement among the border residents," Mawthoh told Highland Post. The CEM of KHADC, who is also the working president of the UDP, has also expressed dissatisfaction and now the matter lies with the government to be responsive."
The most important stakeholders in the deal are the people who live in the disputed areas and if they are unhappy with the agreement then it has to be reconsidered, he added while stating that if the CM is unwilling to do this then he alone should take responsibility.
“This has been a long drawn process and you have now taken only the six [least contentious] areas of difference and another six areas remain. If there is disgruntlement among the residents in the border areas I don’t think that there is any harm in revisiting the deal,” he maintained.
Notwithstanding this, Mawthoh appreciated the Sangma-led government for taking a decisive decision to proceed with the negotiations to resolve the dispute, which has festered for 50 years. However, he felt that if these first six areas of difference can be resolved with everyone onboard, then the more contentious second phase of the negotiations can proceed smoothly.
“If from the start there is a roadblock then it will be difficult to proceed further,” he said.
