By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In a positive development, Assam authorities have halted construction of the entrance gate and the SBI Bank building at Sabuda in Block-II area of Ri-Bhoi district.
Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Akash Deep on Wednesday informed that no construction work has taken place after an assurance from the Assam authorities two days back.
Stating that the Assam Government was committed to maintaining law and order in the disputed area, Akash Deep said, “Our Assam counterparts have extended their full cooperation to us in maintaining law and order.”
Earlier, the district administration of Ri-Bhoi and Karbi Anglong had informally discussed the need to maintain law and order in the area.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner also appealed the agitating NGOs to call off their proposed action of dismantling the two structures.
The CSWO (Irene group) and the KSU North Khasi Hills unit had planned to dismantle the two structures on their own on April 12 at 11 AM.
Block-II residents slam BAPDA ‘peace’ claims
Does the Block-II Area Peace and Development Association (BAPDA) speak for the entire people of Block-II areas when there is not even a representation from the local Dorbar Shnong in the Association? So how can they voice out for the people that they don’t mind being part of Assam to ensure peace?
These are the questions raised by residents of Block-II areas on Wednesday, a day after BAPDA announced that residents were willing to merge with Assam if it would ensure lasting peace for them.
According to the local residents of Block-II, Pius Sten, the president of BAPDA, is the personal secretary of Pradeep Rongpi, MDC of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Assam, and the main instigator behind all the atrocities meted out to the local residents of Block-II.
Highlighting the atrocities by Assam authorities, the residents pointed out that Rongpi had laid the foundation stone for construction of the SBI branch at Sabuda without consulting the local Dorbar Shnong at a time when Meghalaya was busy with the Assembly election process.
Later, the KAAC ordered construction of the entrance gate.
Residents of the area also stated that the BAPDA president had warned the locals against demolishing the gate or the bank’s building saying that they would be shot dead by Assam police.