NONGPOH, Jan 10: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), North Khasi Hills, on Monday moved Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah, alleging intrusion by the Assam Government by means of implementing developmental projects on the interstate border areas to “lure” the border populace.
The KSU, led by unit president Ferdynald Kharkamni and general secretary James Hitler Mawphniang, submitted a memorandum to the DC, alleging that the Assam Government has time and again disregarded the status quo by deploying Assam Police personnel at Umlaper and Umru, interfering in implementation of projects sponsored by the Meghalaya Government, vandalising an LP School building at Khlieh Umwang and a community hall building at Umru village, et al.
“We have seen from time to time the Assam Government intrusion into the territory of Meghalaya by implementing various kinds of developmental projects to lure our people, whereas when it comes to projects sponsored by the Meghalaya Government, the Assam Government intervenes and even stops the implementation of such developmental projects, which is clearly an act of double standard,” Kharkamni said after submitting the memorandum to the DC.
He also rued how despite the KSU raising complaints with the DC over the alleged intrusion in the past, such incidents continue to take place.
Citing an example, Kharkamni alleged that only recently, legislator of Chingtong Baithalangso constituency of West Karbi Anglong, Rupsing Teron, along with some members of pressure groups and locals, stopped the implementation of JJM scheme at Ummat and seized the GI pipes unloaded at the village.
It is very sad to see that Meghalaya Government does not take any action despite such actions by its counterpart from Assam but instead relies on the status quo, which the latter does not respect, he said.
The Union has also urged the DC to take immediate steps to ensure prevalence of peace and tranquility, and smooth implementation of developmental projects, initiated by the state government, on the interstate border areas.