Assam Govt again flexes muscle at Langpih
From Our Correspondent
NONGSTOIN: The disputed area of Langpih on Saturday witnessed a virtual onslaught by Assam Police when over 30 vehicles filled with Assam Police personnel and a Magistrate landed at Langpih. They went to the site of the newly constructed Dorbar Hall of the Hima Raid Mynsaw and tore it down.
Sources informed that the Assam Magistrate had in his possession an order to execute the destruction.
Some sources informed that the Magistrate had even displayed the order and claimed that the destruction order was jointly signed by the deputy commissioners of West Khasi Hills and Kamrup district.
People living in the border areas stated that the Assam Government appears to have misinterpreted the silence of the Meghalaya Govt as ‘weakness’ and felt that Meghalaya should adopt a more assertive stance.
Talking to this scribe here in Nongstoin, Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills, S Kharlyngdoh said that he was not aware of any document signed by him ordering for the destruction at Langpih.
A few days ago, the Meghalaya Police had deployed additional troops at Langpih.
People of West Khasi Hills particularly those residing in Hima Raid Mynsaw wonder why this additional deployment of troops?
It may be reminded that in 2010, both the deputy commissioners of West Khasi Hills and Kamrup districts had signed a status quo agreement not to interfere in the developmental activities on either side.
This incident and the previous incidents of occupying the old Dorbar Hall of the Hima Raid Mynsaw and the obstruction of the construction of the market complex is in clear violation of the agreement.
Meanwhile the Assam Government has come up with several developmental structures in Langpih like school, inspection bungalow, market shed, health sub-centre to name a few.
The Assam Government during the construction of these structures has never sought any clearance from the Meghalaya Government but demands that Meghalaya inform them in case of any new construction in the disputed areas.