By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Villagers along the disputed inter-state border of Assam and Meghalaya in Ri-Bhoi district have served an ultimatum to the state government to decide on their citizenship failing which they said they would enrol themselves with the neighbouring state.
“It is high time for the State government to decide which sides do the people living in the border areas belong – Meghalaya or Assam,” Syiem of Raid Nongtung, Miwell Shadap told reporters here on Tuesday.
Several pressure groups extended their support to the village chiefs on the issue.
He pointed out that although around 36 villages of Raid Nongtung under Hima Khyriem Syiemship fall under the jurisdiction of Meghalaya, the State Government has failed to claim ownership of over 15 villages allowing Assam ‘to take advantage of the situation.’
According to the villagers, people living in the disputed areas would have no other choice but to accept the offer of the Assam government if the State authorities fail to act immediately.
“We demand that these villages of ‘Raid Nongtung, Hima Khyriem Syiemship’ should be recognised as part of Ri Bhoi district and not as part of the so called Block II (disputed areas),” Shadap said.
He alleged that Assam government had been pressurizing the villagers to enroll themselves with it. Shadap also urged the Chief Electoral Officer to declare the villagers as legal voters of the State.
The villagers also demanded for a proper demarcation of boundary across the State and an end to the boundary row with Assam before Meghalaya celebrates its Golden Jubilee.
The Raid Nongtung and the NGOs– KSU, CORP, HANM and RUPA– further demanded the immediate removal of the battalion and check gates set up by Assam government at Jatalong and Sabuda village.
They complained that the check gates set up illegally by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council and Assam Forest Department have aggravated the situation for local farmers who are made to pay taxes for their agricultural produce.
