Call for inclusion of KHADC members, traditional heads in border panels

NONGPOH, Sep 12: Headmen from Ri Bhoi, under the umbrella of Ka Durbar ki Rangbah Shnong, Ri Bhoi District, have suggested the state government to include MDCs and traditional heads in the border committees that have been formed to resolve the interstate border conflict with Assam.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, they also informed that they will soon meet the members of the KHADC and traditional heads from various Elakas, Raid and Hima of Ri Bhoi, and confer about the matter.
“The MDCs and traditional heads are the custodians of the lands and it is with them that we can get proper land records and history. Therefore, the state government should include them as well in the border committees as they know better about the boundaries and land records under their jurisdiction,” the leaders of the conglomeration said.
They alleged that the vexed interstate border issue has become election propaganda for parties who do not have the political will to solve it.
“Several governments have ruled the state for decades now. The boundary issue was raised from time to time, especially during elections. We do not want our people to continue suffering in the border areas just for the political gains of few vested interest people/groups. The government should be serious this time and the inclusion of the respective MDCs and traditional heads in the committee is a must to solve the long-pending boundary dispute,” the headmen argued.