SHILLONG: The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Titosstarwell Chyne said that the Council would set up a police outpost in Langpih as a way to assert authority over Langpih, a disputed area between Meghalaya and Assam.
This was in reply to a motion moved by the Congress MDC Bajop Pyngrope to discuss the steps taken by the Executive Committee for the welfare of the people in different villages along the inter-state border. Pyngrope mooted the idea of getting financial assistance for setting up police outposts.
Chyne said that the KHADC would develop assets in border areas.
He said that the Council delegated duties to the traditional heads located in the border areas to look after the welfare of the residents. However, he maintained that there are some traditional leaders who were hand in glove with the Assam government.
He cited the case of Syiem of Hima Nongspung who was suspended by the KHADC who through the secretary of Hima Nongspung issued NOC to the Assam government for a road project in Balakhowa.
Chyne also discouraged people from possessing dual EPIC – from Meghalaya and Assam. He said that the border areas people have been on their toes following detection of the COVID-19 positive cases.
Taking part in the motion, Independent MDC P.N. Syiem said that it was time for the District Council to interfere asserting that the CM-level talks (between Meghalaya and Assam) have been unfruitful.
Congress MDC Ronnie Lyngdoh said that the state of Meghalaya should start developmental activities in border areas and to coordinate closely with the traditional heads as Assam has been encroaching into Meghalaya’s territory.
