Shillong, Sep 24: Hundreds of residents of the disputed Langpih sector have unanimously resolved to remain with Meghalaya, rejecting a claim by an Assam news channel that 95 per cent of people in the area want to go to Assam after boundary settlement.
The resolution was taken at a public meeting called by village leaders at Umthli village under Hima Nongmynsaw Syiemship on Wednesday.
The meeting, chaired by Theodas Marak, Chairman of the Association of Village Headmen, Umthli Area, saw participation from residents of over 14 villages including Mawdiangkob, Talimara, Umdiangsiar, Umdiangphiang, Umthli, Umkhamdol, Dariphang, Umbah, Ukiam, Borkhuli, Hasem, Warigro, Doledonga and others. It was also witnessed by the Executive Durbar of Hima Nongmynsaw Syiemship.
Villagers strongly refuted the media report, asserting that the reality on the ground is the opposite — 95 per cent of the people do not want to go to Assam, but want to stay with Meghalaya.
Extending full support to the public meeting, the Federation of Khasi Jaintia & Garo People (FKJGP), Rimuliang Circle, which visited the village, said the people of the area, including Khasi and Garo minorities, have every right to remain in Meghalaya and their choice must be respected.
The FKJGP urged residents not to accept Assam’s claims and said both the state governments must listen to the voice of the people.
“The land where the people live is their home, their villages belong to them. No one should interfere with their wishes and Assam should not impose its will,” the organisation said.
The gathering demanded that the two governments should no longer delay the boundary settlement and that Assam should hand over administration of the area to Meghalaya as per the wishes of the residents.
