Assam Govt accused of encroaching into Meghalaya territory 

By Daiaphira Kharsati

SHILLONG:

The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO), a social organisation, has accused the Assam government of encroaching into Meghalaya territory. 

The organisation stated that Assam leaders had inspected Khatkasla Village in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, where the newly Border Police Outpost was set up by the Assam government.

In a letter to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, the organisation demanded that the government should immediately act against the continuous land encroachment by the Assam Government.

Terming the encroachment as intentional, HITO alleged that the Assam government has paid the slightest attention and neglected the status quo signed between the two neighbouring states.

The organisation reminded the CM that they had petitioned him on the proposed construction of a University at Khanduli in West Jaintia Hills.

Accusing Assam of repeated encroachment into other Northeastern states' territories, mainly in Mizoram and Nagaland, the organisation suggested that the CM speak to the other aggrieved States and take a joint approach with the Center.

“We would like to stress that our inter-state border has been left unresolved for many decades. Earlier, the government had constituted a committee compiling all the areas of difference which must now be taken aggressively with the Centre. Since the Assam Government is not showing any sincerity to solve the boundary dispute not only with Meghalaya but also with Mizoram and Nagaland, a joint approach with the above states is the need of the hour to ensure that Assam is shown its place,” the organisation said in the letter.

Criticising the regional parties of Meghalaya, the organisation stated that the parties showed no concerns about resolving border issue though the issue had featured in their manifestoes.  

Besides, the organisation has called upon the NGOs, traditional Heads, the three ADCs to raise their voice of concern against the alleged illegal encroachment by Assam.

(Edited by Ridhika Joshi)

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