GHADC CEM petitions CM for security force along border areas

TURA, May 27: Flagging the long-pending border issue between Meghalaya and Assam, GHADC CEM, Benedic R Marak, on Thursday urged Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to deploy security forces along the sensitive border areas and ensure harmony there.
In a memorandum to the chief minister, Marak alleged that illegal activities on the side of Garo Hills are reportedly carried out by encroachers from the neighbouring state.
According to the CEM, the impact of border dispute is mostly felt at Rongsai Tri-junction, Solartek (Naga bandh) at Phulbari, Kasaripara, Singgimari Tri-junction at Hallidayganj and Panbari near Hallidayganj.
He bemoaned that illegalities in these areas cannot be kept in check owing to the absence of security agencies, including police stations. “There are only four full-fledged police stations, which are at Tikrikilla, Phulbari, Rajabala and Hallidayganj, covering a total stretch of 101 kilometres. These areas are densely populated but sadly, public peace cannot be properly maintained and there is frequent disturbance of the peaceful co-existence of the diverse community,” the CEM said.
He alleged that encroachers from Assam take advantage of vast tracts of land under B Mahal areas for illegally settling and for plantation purpose.
“In order to contain such illegal activities, there is a need to set up police battalion camps along with academy and training centres, which will also create job opportunities for the unemployed youths of the area. We also urge you to establish more police stations keeping in view the best interest of the general public,” Marak said.