SHILLONG, April 18: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Monday made a sensational claim that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the two states to resolve the dispute in six of the 12 contested areas was different from the reports compiled by the regional border committees of West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the KHADC boundary committee with the traditional heads and landowners from Hima Mylliem, Hima Nonglang, Hima Jyrngam, Hima Nongspung and Hima Jirang, Executive Member in-charge of Elaka, Jambor War contended that there was strong opposition to the MoU since it was not framed as per the reports of the regional committees.
War also claimed that the state government did not take into account the boundary report submitted by the KHADC.
He made it crystal clear that the Council will fight to ensure that the land being given to Assam as per the MoU remains in Meghalaya.
The state government neither consulted the KHADC nor the stakeholders like landowners, Dorbar, Raid and Hima before signing the MoU with Assam. “The government should have kept everyone in the loop,” he added.
The EM revealed that they will meet again on April 26 to finalise the course of action to get the MoU rescinded.
Incidentally, UDP MDC, Bindo M Lanong batted for a balanced approach by the KHADC saying that the Council will approach the state government armed with facts, figures, documents, maps and historical evidence.