SHILLONG: The Coordination Committee on International Border (CCIB) reiterated its demand for fencing the Indo-Bangladesh border along the Zero Line. It also expressed dismay at the delay on the part of the Government in taking up the pending matter.
The CCIB members met KHADC CEM PN Syiem and Chief Secretary PBO Warjri to apprise them of the current situation relating to border fencing.
Speaking to media persons on Thursday, CCIB Chairman, Sukkynjai Myrchiang opposed the construction of the fence 150 yards beyond the Zero Line in the state’s border with Bangladesh as in such a scenario, most of the cultivated land from Meghalaya will be transferred to Bangladesh.
The CCIB members argued that cultivated land of 13 villages will go under Bangladesh if the fence is erected 150 yards beyond the Zero Line.
The CCIB members minced no words in stating that were not against border fencing but stressed that the Indo-Bangladesh border dispute should be resolved first.
Border fencing should take place along the Indo-Bangladesh border beginning from Nongjri to Pyrdiwah-Dawki
“In 2006, the then Chief Minister DD Lapang accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Donkupar Roy, inspected the border areas but till date no action has been taken,” said Kmen Myrchiang, secretary, CCIB.
The CCIB members demanded that fencing should be erected at the Zero Point near the boundary pillar after realignment of the boundary pillars.
“If fencing is carried out in the present situation, several villages– Dawki, Tamabil, Prydiwah, Lalangtila, Riahjalong, Lyngkhat, Jaliakhola etc.– will fall on the other side of the fence.
The CCIB members who met Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) CEM PN Syiem called for the need to involve the Council in surveying the border since the areas in question came under the Sixth Schedule.
Syiem, while briefing members of the CCIB, said that the State Government should consult the KHADC for the survey conducted for fencing. He also stated that he will write to the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner to discontinue the survey unless the problem is solved.
The CCIB members pointed out that the joint survey in areas between Dawki and Jaliakhola was conducted by the West Jaintia Hills District administration in February 2015.
“No positive action has been taken by the administration on the findings of the survey and the district administration is contemplating to conduct fresh survey in the same area,” they said.
The members of CCIB who met the Chief Secretary on Thursday evening , however , did not get any assurance from him to address the concerns raised by the organization.
A member of CCIB and FKJGP leader Joe Marwein said that the feedback from the government was not positive and added that the CCIB will meet soon to chalk out the next course of action.
