NONGPOH: The Deputy Commissioner level talks among three districts on border related issues on Thursday decided that information in respect of projects taken up on either side of the boundary between Assam and Meghalaya is shared, so that any developmental activities can be implemented smoothly for the interest of the people.
The decision was taken during a meeting held at the Circuit House, Nongpoh between the Deputy Commissioners of Ri Bhoi, Rosetta Mary Kurbah, West Jaintia Hills, Garod LSN Dykes and West Karbi Anglong (in Assam) ,Debojyoti Hazarika. The meeting was also attended by the Superintendent of Police and other officials of the three districts.
Various border related issues were thoroughly discussed in the meeting including the pending issue of land dispute between Assam and Meghalaya at Block I & II.
A review meeting on border issues was also held in the evening which was attended by the MLA of Baithalongso, Dr Mansing Rongpi, Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonoumous Council (KAAC) in-charge Land & Revenue, Rupsing Teron, Umroi MLA, George B Lyngdoh, Executive Member of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Latiplang Kharkongor, Umroi MDC, James Sylliang and others.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, MLA of Baithalongso, Dr. Mansing Rongpi who was also present in the DC level talks informed that the representatives of both states have come to a decision that developmental works taken up in the disputed border areas should not be obstructed provided that the three district heads of Ri Bhoi, West Jaintia and West Karbi Anglong coordinated and informed their counterparts before doing so, in order to avoid any conflicts.
“Permanent demarcation of disputed land was not discussed in the meeting as this lies on the power of both the state governments of Assam and Meghalaya” Dr Rongpi said.
On the KHADC statement seeking return of areas of disputed Block I & II to the Council, Dr Rongpi said that he had no comments, since this was a matter which needed be intervened by Centre and both the state governments of Assam and Meghalaya.
Dr Rongpi further informed that such meetings would also be organised in the near future in order to maintain peace and harmony in the disputed area.
On the other hand, EM KHADC, Latiplang Kharkongor informed that the meeting had also decided to form a border forum to deal specifically with the border related issues between Assam and Meghalaya stating that the main objective of the forum is to find out a lasting solution to the pending border issues as well as permanent demarcation of the disputed land which also lies on the powers of the district council as empowered by the Constitution.
Meanwhile, Latiplang Kharkongngor, EM of KHADC also informed that through this meeting they had resolved to form border forum to deal with the land dispute between Assam and Meghalaya under Block I&II and also through this forum they would ensure for permanent demarcation of land dispute as settlement of land dispute also lied within the power of District Council as empowered by the Constitution of India.
Earlier in the meeting, the representatives from Meghalaya expressed concerned over the frequent demolition of government structures being implemented by Meghalaya Government at Block I & II by unknown miscreants stating that such kind of actions hampered peace and tranquility in these areas and should not be repeated in the near future.