Shillong, Sep 9: Residents of three villages along the Meghalaya-Assam border in West Khasi Hills have alleged that people from Assam are forcing them to enrol in the Assam census, prompting Rambrai MDC Lurshai Kharbani to seek immediate intervention of the state government.
Kharbani, who met Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday, said the affected villages are Kampaduli, Noapara and Bangjen in the Langpih area.
He alleged that Assam government personnel frequently visit the area and harass residents.
“People from Assam came to force our people to enrol in the Assam census. Our people told you that they do not want to be in Assam because they have already enrolled in the Meghalaya census,” Kharbani said.
He said residents had earlier met the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, West Khasi Hills, before approaching the Deputy Chief Minister.
Kharbani said he urged the government to set up a temporary police outpost in the area so residents feel safe.
“We request setting up of a temporary police camp so people feel secure and get protection from external forces,” he said, adding that the Deputy Chief Minister assured to take up the matter with the Chief Secretary of Assam.
Meanwhile, Tynsong said the government will intervene if the Chief Secretaries of Meghalaya and Assam fail to resolve the issue.
“I have instructed the Chief Secretary to talk to the Chief Secretary of Assam on this matter as is usually done. If these two senior officers cannot do anything, we as government will intervene,” Tynsong said after meeting the delegation led by the Rambrai-Jyrngam MDC.
He said the matter will be escalated if needed to the level of ministers and then chief ministers.
“I have given instructions. I understand the problems faced by our people in the Langpih area,” he said.
On the demand for a temporary police outpost, Tynsong said the government will examine the proposal.
“They have sought a temporary police camp or outpost. We will examine it. We already have two BOPs, one at Langpih and another beyond Langpih. I have instructed the Chief Secretary and DGP to look into this,” he added.
