By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Irked by the lack of seriousness on the part of the State Government to resolve the long-pending boundary dispute with Assam, a young man from Langpih, Pynskhemlang Nongshlor, has announced to go on a fast-unto-death from June 30.
Nongshlor would hold the fast-unto-death at site of the memorial stone at Langpih which was built last year in memory of the four Khasi villagers who were killed in firing by Assam Police personnel on May 14, 2010.
The 28-year-old villager said he has been compelled to announce this drastic step as he can no longer remain a silent spectator to the suffering of the people of Langpih due to frequent harassment by Assam police.
“I would go on a fast-unto-death if the State Government fails to take any drastic steps in the next 24 days. My decision to hold the fast-unto-death at Langpih is to draw the attention of the State Government on the need to resolve the boundary dispute once and for all,” Pynskhemlang said.
He observed that the talks between officials of both the state was a futile exercise. “Consultations between the deputy commissioners of Kamrup and West Khasi Hills districts would never be fruitful since Assam does not respect the decisions taken at those meetings,” he said.
The villager also urged other youth, social organisations, women groups, church organisations and all those who feel for the people living in the border areas of the State, to extend their support to his agitation.
On Wednesday, the deputy commissioners of West Khasi Hills and Kamrup district of Assam along with the SPs of both the districts met here in the city on Wednesday.
West Khasi Hills SP, R Muthu, informed after the meeting that both the district administrations have decided in favour of more frequent interactions to ensure that there is no law and order problem in Langpih.
The meeting also resolved to have more interactions between the two communities residing in the disputed territory. It was also decided that the respective district administration would initiate measures to ensure that peace is maintained at Langpih at all cost.
Meanwhile, Nongkrem legislator Ardent M Basaiawmoit (UDP) along with KHADC MDCs, NGO members and concerned citizens will hold sit-in protests in various parts of Shillong and West Khasi Hills district to protest against the delay in resolving the inter-state boundary problem.
Basaiawmoit informed that the sit-in protest would be held for three days from June 20 to 22 from 3 pm to 6 pm in places like Mawlai, Jaiaw, Madan Iewrynghep, Smit, Mylliem and Mawkyrwat, Nongstoin and Rambrai in West Khasi Hills district.