Assam–Meghalaya Border Row: Legislators Seek Clarification on "Give and Take" Policy

SHILLONG:

Moving a special motion on border disputes between Assam and Meghalaya, Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Mayralborn Syiem sought clarity from the government on the so-called "give and take" policy discussed between both chief ministers after recent incidents of border clashes at Ïongkhuli and Umlaper, among other places.

The MLA observed that the policy was a win–lose scenario against Meghalaya, with more areas being ceded to Assamese jurisdiction. "Between the years 2009 and 2021, more than 114 incidents of border disputes were reported in the state, pushing people in chaos and confusion," Syiem pointed out to the House. Mawsynram MLA Himalaya Shangpliang also asked for clarification regarding the same.

Shangpliang maintained that the government must bring back areas in Assam that Meghalaya claims as inherent to its territory. “My mind is clear on this issue," the MLA argued. "Not an inch of land should be given to Assam. Rather, we should take away land that are ethnically and culturally dominated by the people of Meghalaya, but lie in Assam."

National People's Party MLA from Jirang, Sosthenes Sohtun, also suggested the government to establish "nodal offices" close to border areas and for them to be headed by Meghalaya Civil Service officers or other higher-ranking officers. He also suggested the creation of a Border Police Task Force headed by a deputy superintendent of police to "man" the disputed areas. He urged the government to hasten free land registration for those residing within 1 kilometre of the bordering Assam in order to buttress Meghalaya's position and allow landowners to register land with the Meghalaya government.

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