Following the resentment expressed by many border villagers regarding the proposed settlement of inter-state boundary dispute between Meghalaya and Assam, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) will hold a meeting with traditional heads of four Himas and Sirdarships on Monday afternoon.
The KHADC has invited the Acting Syiem of Hima Mylliem, Acting Syiem of Hima Nongspung, Sirdar of Nonglang and Sirdar of Jyrngam for the meeting to have a detailed discussion on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the chief ministers of the two states on the areas where the boundary settlement will take place.
As per the MoU, around 18 sq km will come to Meghalaya and around 18 sq km will go to Assam in six areas of difference under the first phase of border settlement.
The six areas of difference under the first phase include Tarabari (4.69 sq km), Gizang (13.53 sq km), Hahim (3.51 sq km), Boklapara (1.57 sq km), Khanapara-Pilangkata (2.29 sq km) and Ratacherra (11.20 sq km).
Out of 36 villages claimed by Meghalaya in 2011, a total of 30 – some fully and a few partially – is being recommended to be in Meghalaya.
In West Khasi Hills, all the eight villages in Tarabari while two out of three villages in Gizang and eleven out of twelve villages in Hahim will come to Meghalaya.
In Ri Bhoi, one out of two villages in Boklapara and five out of six villages in Khanapara-Pilangkata while three out of five villages in Ratacherra, East Jaintia Hills will remain with Meghalaya.
The areas will be determined during the survey to be undertaken by the Survey of India in the presence of representatives from both the states.
Both the state governments have agreed that no new areas of difference shall be added in the future beyond the twelve areas of difference.
The MoU will be finalised at a meeting between Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi later this week.
