By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government has directed West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner S Kharlyngdoh to hold a dialogue with Pynskhemlang Nongshlong of Langpih, who recently announced his decision to hold fast-unto-death from June 30 protesting the state government’s failure to resolve border dispute with Assam.
Informing this, Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh said the Deputy Commissioner had been told to persuade the young man to withdraw his proposed fast-unto-death.
“Nongshlong needs to be informed about various steps taken by the Government to resolve the vexed boundary dispute with Assam,” he said adding, “We have tried to build a strong case to be able to claim ownership of disputed land.
Nongshlong 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.
Nongshlong is a resident of Rambrai village in West Khasi Hills. He is being backed by the Khasi village councils in and around Langpih. When asked about sit-in protest led by UDP legislator Ardent M Basaiawmoit, the Home Minister said Basaiawmoit should have taken up the matter with the Government directly rather than going for agitation.Basiawmoit along with KHADC MDCs, NGOs and individuals will hold the sit-in protest for three days from June 20 from 3pm to 6 pm.