SHILLONG, April 10: Senior advocate and constitutional expert, VGK Kynta on Sunday refused to agree that the MoU, executed between Assam and Meghalaya governments on the interstate boundary row, cannot be reviewed or revised and demanded a referendum in the affected areas.
Speaking with The Shillong Times, he observed that if the two governments go ahead with the MoU, then it will be a violation of the Covenants executed by way of an instrument of accessions and agreement annexed by the Chiefs of the 25 Khasi States, albeit by force.
“I demand a referendum in those affected areas,” he said.
Kynta has held positions such as Member of State Security Commission, Member of Advisory Board under Meghalaya Preventive Detention Act and Vice Chairman of Meghalaya State Law Commission.
“I can’t understand the rush to execute the covenant (MoU) by the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya. What is the hidden truth behind these activities and what is the quid pro quo between them? Is there more than what meets the eye?” Kynta wondered.
Pointing out that unlike lands in Assam, the lands in the border areas of Meghalaya are Raid Lands or Community Lands and the Government of Meghalaya is not the owner, he said these Raid Lands are within the Syiemship of either Mylliem or Khyrim or Nongspung. He also said that areas under the erstwhile Hima Nongmynsaw extended to Assam districts although it is not the case now.
Stating that even Mylliem and Khyrim jurisdictions used to be deep inside present-day Assam territory, Kynta said, “The point is whether the Government of Meghalaya, without acquiring the said lands per se, can part with such lands in favour of Assam. The answer is definitely a no.”
“I do not agree that the arrangement (MoU) executed can’t be reviewed or revised. I disagree with the Assam CM that what is done is done. Plain nonsense,” he added.
He urged the state government to recall the covenant and seek the mandate of respective Hima/Syiemship and its constituents before the execution of a fresh MoU.
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) also urged the two states not to go ahead with the next phase of negotiations until they are to able to resolve the grievances and objections raised by the stakeholders over the MoU which was signed for the first six areas of differences.
“How can we go ahead with future negotiations when there is a hue and cry over the border agreement? The people are not happy with the MoU,” KSU president, Lambokstarwell Marngar said.
He insisted that the two governments take steps to ensure no one is left unhappy in the attempt to resolve this long-pending issue.
“We had always given our positive suggestion to the government. It needs to listen to the voices of the people and respect their sentiments,” Marngar said.
He also said that the KSU acknowledged the government’s efforts in resolving the boundary dispute.
He said the KSU had urged the government to take everyone, including the Himas, Raids, district councils, landowners and people residing in the border villages, on board before signing any agreement.
“It is important to ensure that everyone is on the same page to avoid any conflict or discontentment and it was agreed upon. But, sadly, the government has gone ahead to finalise the MoU without the consent of important stakeholders,” Marngar lamented.
According to him, the opposition by the Hima, Raid and the landowners to the MoU was not a surprise.
“The state government should revisit the boundary agreement on those areas where people are unhappy,” Marngar insisted.