SHILLONG: Langpih, a disputed border area along the Meghalaya-Assam boundary, became a matter of discussion on the second day of the KHADC Budget Session.
The CEM, Titosstarwell Chyne, said that the Council will set up a police outpost at Langpih so as to claim sovereignty over the area. This was in response to a motion moved by Congress MDC Bajop Pyngrope with regard to steps taken by the Executive Committee for the welfare of the people living along the interstate border.
Pyngrope mooted the idea of getting financial assistance for setting up police outposts.
To this, Chyne said that the KHADC will develop assets in the border areas.
He informed that the Council delegated duties to the traditional heads situated in the border areas to look after the welfare of the residents. Referring to the case of Syiem of Hima Nongspung, he said that there are some traditional leaders who were hand in glove with the Assam Government.
The Syiem of Hima Nongspung was suspended by the KHADC. The Syiem, though the secretary of Hima Nongspung, had issued NOC to the Assam Government for a road project in Balakhowa.
On the sidelines of discussions on border issues, the CEM discouraged people from possessing dual EPIC – from Meghalaya and Assam.He said that the Council has been on its toes on matters involving border areas following the spurt in COVID-19 cases in the country.
Asserting that it is time for the district council’s intervention, Independent MDC PN Syiem said that the Chief Minister- level talks between the Meghalaya and Assam governments have been unfruitful.
Congress MDC Ronnie Lyngdoh, while pointing out at the encroachment bid by Assam in the past, said that Meghalaya should initiate developmental activities in border areas by ensuring close coordination with the traditional heads.
