The Trinamool Congress (TMC) will tear up the controversial border agreement signed by the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government with that of Assam if the opposition party comes to power at the 2023 state elections.
In a scathing attack on the MDA, leader of the opposition and TMC leader Dr Mukul Sangma said that the border agreement, signed earlier this year, goes against the will of the people.
The first phase of the border agreement has been attacked by opposition parties, pressure groups, civil society organisations and even some parties within the MDA. Around 18 square kilometres of the disputed territory will go to Assam under the deal to be confirmed by Parliament after a detailed study by the Survey of India. Many villagers have denounced the agreement for giving away land to Assam that they want to be part of Meghalaya.
During his address to the audience at a party meeting in Rongjeng, East Garo Hills, Dr Sangma said that the MDA has no right to divide Meghalaya and give away its land.
“Whatever discussions have taken place between the two governments are not in sync with the expected line of agreement,” Dr Sangma said. “Whatever has been decided in the bilateral discussions and the subsequent agreement are not acceptable to the people of the state. When people do not accept this, then why is it imposed upon our people? It is incumbent as politicians and members of the party to defend our people. Therefore, we stand committed to see that it is undone if we are voted to power.”
According to the former Chief Minister, Meghalaya can substantiate its claim to these disputed lands with valid documents and revenue records that date to the British era when the districts that eventually became Meghalaya in 1972 were formed.
It is not possible for revenue documents to be so easily discarded in favour of drawing up a new border, he added, while stating that people in the disputed areas are being pressured into giving up their opposition to the deal, such as those at Hahim, who were lathi-charged by Assam police. “This attempt by both governments (of Meghalaya and Assam) to suppress the people is condemnable. They cannot engage in atrocities against our people,” he said.
Other than the border issue, Dr Sangma also criticised what he said was deplorable mis-governance in the state and the “intentions of the proxy BJP government”, the TMC’s favourite epithet for the MDA.
He also weighed in on the education issue, speaking in favour of agitating SSA teachers.
The party meeting he attended was part of the TMC’s drive to enlist members in Garo Hills. It was, the party claimed, attended by more than 1,500 people. Others present included Rongrong MDC Rinaldo K Sangma, Kharkutta MDC Cherak W Momin, Williamnagar MDC Alphonsush R Marak, Samandagre MDC Lahitson M Sangma and the former MLA for Rongjeng, Sengnam Marak.
