The Trinamool Congress today said it would “revoke” the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on boundary signed between Meghalaya and Assam if it comes to power in the State.
Asserting that fresh consultations will be initiated for a “sustainable” solution to the boundary dispute, the party alleged that under the MOU, the Conrad Sangma government that is backed by the BJP had “shamelessly surrendered 18.46 sq km of Meghalaya’s sacred land to Assam”.
“To address the issue of unwarranted surrender of land to Assam and protect the residents in border villages, the border MOU signed with the Government of Assam will be revoked, and a fresh set of consultations will be initiated to find a sustainable solution to the border crisis,” the Trinamool Congress manifesto said.
“In addition, the security of residents of border villages will also be enhanced through the setting up of police check-posts in strategic locations, and prevent unwarranted firing of Mukroh-like incidents that led to the unfortunate death of innocent residents of Meghalaya,” it added.
The manifesto also promised to constitute an expert committee to look into the demand for an Inner Line Permit in the State, adding that it would take a decision “which is in the best interest of residents”.
It also promised effective and immediate implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016 across the State to ensure a comprehensive registry of all legal tenants.
The manifesto also promised a holistic Village Administration Bill in consultation with the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and traditional heads to uphold and protect the traditional institutions to be introduced.
The party promised a private member bill in the parliament for the immediate recognition of the Khasi and Garo languages through their inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
It also promised to work on a scientific and sustainable mining policy to ensure no individual’s livelihood is endangered.
