Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun visited Nongwah Mawtamur village, Ri-Bhoi, today to engage with leaders and elders from the Patharkhmah civil sub-division.
The visit comes as both the Meghalaya and Assam governments are to soon begin the second phase of border talks to address the remaining areas of dispute along their shared border.
Villagers of Nongwah Mawtamur have previously expressed fears that Meghalaya will cede their land to Assam but the MLA, who is from the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), sought to reassure them today.
The village leaders made it clear to Sohtun that they strongly desire to remain part of Meghalaya. They emphasised that the border agreement should be based on valid documentation.
Furthermore, the villagers requested improved government schemes and connectivity as the current dilapidated roads pose a significant challenge for the local population.
In response, Sohtun assured the villagers that he will raise their concerns with the state government, particularly emphasising the significance of valid documents in the ongoing border dispute. However, he urged the residents to refrain from politicising the border issue and emphasised the importance of standing united to protect their rightful land claim.
