SHILLONG, March 1: The Opposition Congress, on Monday, cornered the UDP-led Executive Committee in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) over the transit camp allegedly being constructed by the Assam government at Khanapara.
Moving the motion on this issue on Day 2 of the budget session of KHADC, Congress MDC from Mawhati, Charles Marngar, questioned the Council’s ‘failure’ to take prompt action after it was informed about the construction of the camp by Assam government in areas falling under the Council.
Marngar, while stating that they had met Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner, RM Kurbah, on the matter, said that the DC informed them about not receiving any letter from the Council regarding this matter.
“We would like to know why there was a delay to raise this issue with the Deputy Commissioner when the EC received information on the issue about a month back,” Marngar said.
The Mawhati MDC also questioned as to how the Syiem of Raid Marwet and Rangbah Shnong of Khanapara allowed this ‘illegal’ encroachment on part of the Assam government.
Participating in the motion, Congress MDC, Ronnie V Lyngdoh, demanded an inquiry into the involvement of Raid Marwet and Rangbah Shnong of Khanapara in allowing Assam to encroach into areas falling under the Council.
“We have to unearth the truth since such encroachment cannot be allowed to take place. If the Syiem of Raid Marwet and Rangbah Shnong of Khanapara are found to be involved, they should be booked as per the law,” Lyngdoh said.
Meanwhile, nominated MDC, Bindo M Lanong, suggested that an all-party committee should be constituted for pursuing this kind of issue with the state government.
On the alleged construction of the transit camp by Assam, Lanong asserted that it would not have been possible for Assam to encroach into Meghalaya territory if the Syiem and the traditional heads were hand in glove.
Replying to the motion, Jambor War clarified that the Executive Committee has immediately wrote to the Chief Secretary of Assam, Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi and Kamrup (Metro) respectively about the transit camp constructed by the Assam government.
“We have been informed by the Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi that she has communicated about the issue with the Commissioner and Secretary of District Council Affairs department,” War informed.
Stating that the Syiem of Raid Marwet and Rangbah Shnong of Khanapara have lodged complaints with the EC on the matter, the executive member informed that the land where the camp is constructed belongs to one Nathaniel Thangkhiew.
Reacting to this reply, Congress MDC from Mawhati said that the EC should also summon Thangkhiew since he might have used his position as the Basan (traditional chief) of Hima Nongkseh.
Panel to identify border areas formed: EM
The Hima Mylliem has constituted a border committee to identify the areas along the interstate border with Assam falling under its jurisdiction, informed Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Executive Member in-charge of Elaka, Jambor War, on Monday.
Replying to the motion raised by Congress MDC from Mawhati, Charles Marngar, War said that the committee will also identify the villages falling under Hima Mylliem.
“I have been informed that the committee has already had its first meeting. I am hopeful that the report to be submitted by the committee will go a long way in helping to identify the areas along the interstate border under the Council’s purview,” the EM in-charge of Elaka said.