SHILLONG: Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) president KP Pangniang has maintained that the people residing along the inter-state border should decide whether they want to be with Assam or Meghalaya.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, he said, “In order to find a permanent solution to the boundary dispute both Meghalaya and Assam should give an opportunity to the people residing in the disputed area to decide where they want to go, Meghalaya or Assam.”
He said the suggestion is based on the spirit of democracy as he observed that the solutions to border disputes remained elusive with claims and counter claims and the process will continue.
Pangniang further said that since the inception of the state there is no boundary demarcation as examined from the boundary documents, notifications, mapping.
“There is no ground demarcation. As in the case of Meghalaya, it is sad to say there is no proper demarcation of borders,” he said.
The HSPDP wanted early solution to the inter-state boundary dispute with Assam.
Pangniang suggested calling for a referendum which should be made known to all the locals residing in the 12 areas of dispute.
The total disputed area on the Assam-Meghalaya boundary is approximately 2729.14 sq km which both the states are trying to resolve through dialogues.
There are 12 areas of differences which include Tarabari (4.69 sq.km), Gizang (13.53 sq.km), Hahim (3.51 sq km), Langpih (298.07 sq.km), Borduar (147.83 sq.km), Boklapara (1.57 sq. km.), Nongwah- Matamur (137.51 sq.km), Khanapara-Pilangkata (2.29 sq.km), Desh Doomreah (487.72 sq. km), Block I and Block II (1547.42 sq.km), Khanduli-Psiar (76.80 sq.km) and Retacherra (11.20 sq.km).
