SHILLONG: The UDP has decided to call a meeting with its Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA) partner, Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) to jointly take up certain pending issues with the state government. UDP general secretary, Jemino Mawthoh, informed that the UDP leaders in a meeting held on Thursday discussed on the recent incidents at Langpih and other areas pertaining to boundary dispute, the contentious railway line issue and the inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution among others.
It may be mentioned that the discussion on boundary issue has remained elusive for several years. Again in July, more than 100 bikers and people in vehicles from Assam entered Umwali and Langpih despite the restriction imposed on the entire interstate border.
As for the introduction of railways in the state, the state government maintained a different stand from that of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
The KHADC had announced its decision to not issue NOC to the extension of railhead in Ri Bhoi district whereas Chief Minister Conrad Sangma pointed to the inconvenience faced by the people of the state during the prevailing pandemic due to the absence of railway station in Khasi Hills region.
As for the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly had approved a resolution asking the Centre to include Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule.