Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon met a delegation from the Hynniewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBDRF) on Saturday regarding the reunification of a disputed Block 1 with Jaintia Hills.
The HBDRF chairman, Chandame Sungoh, handed over a representation to the MP regarding the reunification and retransfer of Laban Nangphyllut Dolloiship in Block 1 to Jaintia Hills and to maintain peace and harmony in the border areas.
Before Meghalaya became a separate state, the government of undivided Assam split off Block 1 from then United Khasi and Jaintia Hills district and attached it to what is now Karbi Anglong despite the Khasi-Pnar people having rights to Laban Nangphyllut.
The forum told Syngkon that Khasi-Pnar villagers who remained there have been made internal refugees due to the “criminal acts” of Karbi militant groups at various points since then.
While making the plea to Syngkon, Sungoh expressed doubt that the Meghalaya government’s negotiations with the Assam government over the disputed border will see a favourable resolution regarding Block 1 for Meghalaya.
As such, he requested Syngkon to raise the matter in Parliament and with the central government. The MP reportedly assured the HBDRF that he will highlight this issue in New Delhi.
