SHILLONG: The pending issue of the inter-state border dispute, though not the subject matter of the KHADC, was discussed in the House on Monday.
Replying to the motion moved by Umsning MDC Donkupar Sumer, KHADC CEM P.N. Syiem lashed out at the State government which, he observed, is not serious about the border issue.
Sumer said residents of the disputed inter-state border have been facing numerous problems. He claimed that residents of certain villages like Sabuda, Langpih and Umwang are facing regular harassment by the Assam police.
“Although the inter-state border issue is not the subject matter of the Council, but since the villages fall under the scheduled areas, the Council has to take initiative for peaceful efforts so that the residents live without any threat from Assam police,” Sumer said.
He suggested that the Council should set aside funds for development scheme for the border areas and observed that peace talks should be initiated with the Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council, Assam.
Echoing Sumer, Nongpoh MDC Rona Khymdeit suggested allotment of funds for affected border areas by identifying the border areas and the task of identifying the affected areas is upon the traditional chiefs of the areas.
Replying to the motion, Syiem said, “The Council does not have the authority but we need to be serious in this matter. We will try our best to help the residents through the Special Assistance scheme from the Central government.”
He further added that the Forum of Councils under the Sixth Schedule will take up the matter.
