By Our Reporter
Shillong: Threatening to intensify agitation over the boundary dispute between Assam and Meghalaya, leader of the People’s Movement and Nongkrem legislator, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said that the protests would take a new turn in the coming days if the safety of the villagers in the border areas is not ensured by the State Government.
Basaiawmoit also informed that he would attend the all party meet called by the Government to discuss the boundary row with Assam on Thursday.
Addressing a public meeting called by the People’s Movement at Motphran here on Tuesday Basaiawmoit criticised the State Government “for holding dear to the ‘Status quo’ while it’s counterpart is taking advantage of this weakness”. Speaking in presence of leaders of other local NGOs, the People’s Movement leader alleged that the government has done nothing so far to resolve the matter.
“If maintaining the status quo means allowing Assam to encroach into our lands and harass our people, then it is better to flout and do away with such rules”, said Basaiawmoit.
The UDP legislator also expressed concern over the lackadaisical attitude of the State Government on the demand of villagers living in Raid Nongtung, Ri-Bhoi district to register themselves in the electoral rolls of Meghalaya and also to have a polling station in the area.
Shifting to dubious voters’ issue, Basaiawmoit said it is unfair on the part of the Election Commission to allow migrants who have stayed for 180 days in the state to register in the electoral roll.
“What is the use of having the Land Transfer Act, Trading by Non-Tribals Regulation and the 6th schedule if the migrants are allowed to become citizens of this state just by completing 180 days of short stay in the state”, the UDP legislator questioned.
Calling people of the State to rally behind the People’s Movement to put pressure on the government to resolve the border dispute with Assam, Basaiawmoit said that the movement now does not belong to any political party or NGOs but it was a movement of the people.
Meanwhile, KSU general secretary Auguster Jyrwa has questioned Congress’ inability, both in Meghalaya and Assam, to resolve the border dispute between the states.
“We understand that the issue cannot be solve in one day but how long do we have to wait, we have waited 40 years and will not wait any longer, it is time for the government takes steps (to solve the issue)”, he said.