SHILLONG/NONGPOH: Two legislators have petitioned Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to provide safety and security to the border residents following the recent attack on Hima Nongspung secretary Michael Warjri.
MLA SK Sunn visited the residence of Warji in May 10.
In his letter to the chief minister, Sunn said the incident took place inside Meghalaya territory whereas Assam police entered the area and arrested him.
Sunn pointed out that the state PWD failed to repair a damaged wooden bridge across the river though the residents had taken up the matter with the Meghalaya government.
He wanted the government to speed up development in the border area.
Sunn also pointed out that there is no police outpost in the area which discouraged the Khasi residents to stay in large numbers and setting up of a police outpost at Ranibari will instill confidence in the minds of people.
The Mawphlang MLA also asked the chief minister to secure the release of Warjri and provide security to his family besides arresting the culprits involved in the attack.
Sunn said the KHADC should be taken into confidence for the settlement of border dispute.
Breaking his silence over the incident at Balakhwa village, the local legislator of Jirang constituency, Sosthenes Sohtun, while talking to media persons on Sunday, said that as the concerned legislator he had visited the area on the day of the incident and that he had also urged the chief minister and home minister to transfer the case from Assam to Meghalaya as the place of incident falls under this constituency which is part of Meghalaya.
Sohtun also informed that following the incident on May 7, he had met the chief minister and home minister and urged them to set-up a police outpost at Balakhwa village and that an assurance has been given in this regard.
He had also urged the state government to set-up a temporary police battalion camp at Balakhwa village to prevent any untoward incidents which might escalate because of the incident.
Sohtun also appreciated the courage of Warjri, who despite his old age and threats to his life from various quarters, stood firm to protect and safeguard the borders from encroachment by Assam.
HYC needs cooperation
Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has called upon the unity of all politicians to ensure that their united voice on border area dispute is heard.
In a statement issued here, HYC president Robertjune Kharjahrin said there is a need to resolve the inter-state and international boundary.
He said the bureaucrats should assist the politicians as well. The other stakeholders such as the Dorbar Hima, Dorbar Elaka, Dorbar Raid, Dorbar Shnong and Dorbar Kur to also monitor the border situation.