HANM protest on Feb 20 over unresolved border dispute

SHILLONG: The Hynniewtrep A’chik National Movement (HANM) will protest against the state government for not coming up with any solution to the inter-state boundary dispute with Assam and it will stage a sit-in demonstration at the Additional Secretariat parking lot on February 20.
HANM president Lamphrang Kharbani said the organisation will start a series of agitations as the state government has failed to take up the matter seriously with Assam.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, the organisation threatened to intensify their protest if the government pays no attention to the demand to resolve the dispute.
He expressed concern over the alleged illegal encroachment on Meghalaya’s land by the Assam government and reminded that Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong had said before last year’s election that NPP’s priority would be to solve the inter-state border. According to Kharbani, the sit-in demonstration would be a reminder to the state government and the Centre to act.
Kharbani asked the state government to seriously look into the difficulties of the people in Langpih and other border areas. “It is pointless to talk about development if we lose our land,” he said.
To a query, the HANM leader said the organisation will meet the chief minister of Assam only after listening to the response of the state government.
The HANM has extended support to the PIL filed by social activist THS Bonney on the inter-state border dispute.
The organisation has also demanded implementation of ILP which, it feels, “is a shield to protect the state from influx of illegal immigrants”.