SHILLONG: Even as the inter-state boundary between Assam and Meghalaya as defined by the North Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971 has been a bone of contention between Meghalaya and Assam, the state government of Meghalaya is determined to pursue the boundary dispute with Assam.
This was informed by the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma who was replying to the resolution moved by Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) MLA, Adelbert Nongrum about the need for complete settlement of boundary dispute with the Government of Assam.
Stating the state government will pursue discussions with the government in Assam, he said the Government would continue to take all possible measures in order to arrive at a final and logical solution to the issue.
“Four decades have passed by since the re-organisation of the two States, and all these steps taken by the two Governments have not been able to resolve the contentious issues,” he said.
Informing there are 12 (twelve) areas of differences at present which include Upper Tarabari, Gizang Reserve Forest, Hahim Area, Langpih area, Bordwar area, Nongwah Mawtamur area, Pilangkata Khanuparu area, Deshdemoria area, Khanduli area, Umkhyrni Psiar area, Areas of Block I and Block-Il and Ratacherra area.
Speaking on the basis of the claims of Meghalaya in respect of the 12 areas of difference, Sangma said a large number of the villages located within the areas of differences formed part of the Khasi States historically and therefore, should now be part of Meghalaya.
Further, he said the state claimed there were official communications of the British period, which establish that the areas which were part of the Khasi States had been tagged with the neighbouring districts (now falling under Assam) for the limited purpose of revenue collection, without severing their historical links with the Khasi States.
On the other hand, Sangma recalled a Resolution was passed by the Assembly on March 16, 2011 to the effect that the Government of India may be requested to constitute a Boundary Commission as early as possible to define the inter-State boundary between Meghalaya and Assam, having regard to till constitutional provisions, the relevant notifications and maps as well as the historical. ethnic and linguistic linkages.
“Subsequently, Assam Assembly also passed a resolution opposing the setting up of a Boundary Commission. Since no feedback was received from the Ministry of Home Affairs on our resolution, the matter was taken up with the Union Home Minister, requesting him to intervene in the matter and to constitute the Boundary Commission on priority basis so that a lasting solution to this long pending problem is found,” he said.
He said the State Government had been able to buttress its claims by presenting supporting
documents, and documents maps, amongst others, have been shared with the Government of Assam.
“These documents are of ample evidence value and could eventually pave the way for adjudication before the Judiciary, if the situation so warrants,” the Chief Minister said.
Sangma informed there has been meetings held by the Chief Ministers of both states as well as at the level of the Chief Secretaries.