SHILLONG, April 30: As disgruntlement and discontent runs rife over the boundary MoU signed between Meghalaya and Assam to resolve the dispute in six areas of difference along the interstate border, the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) has termed the Meghalaya government’s decision on the resolution to the six areas of dispute as ‘right’. The party has, however, left it on the government to take a call on the demand for a revisit of the MoU.
“…to me, they have made the right decision. On the demand for revisit, I trust the wisdom of the higher authorities and the state government,” said HSPDP chief KP Pangniang, who is also a member of the West Khasi Hills Regional Committee on interstate boundary.
On reports about exclusion of recommendations of the West Khasi Hills regional committee from the boundary MoU, Pangniang said, “Whatever the district regional committee finds does not mean that it will be exact. The higher authority has the power to observe, scrutinize and file the final decision as they deem fit.”
“We, the members on the ground, collectively went to visit the sites, met them (border residents), heard them, and everything was done accordingly. The report was then submitted to the state government,” he added, while reminding that the regional committee is not the apex committee and that the final call is government’s prerogative.
Stating that they have done their best to take everyone onboard, especially residents of disputed areas, Pangniang said “I do not see that there is a mistake or vast areas being left out. To find an amicable solution somewhere somehow we adjusted some areas.”
It may be mentioned that in contrast to stand of the HSPDP, other allies of the NPP-led MDA coalition like the UDP and KHNAM have demanded a revisit of the MoU. The Opposition camp is also crying foul over the boundary pact.
Meanwhile on Saturday, the Joint Action Committee Border of Meghalaya has decided to take into confidence all Syiems, Himas and land owners to fight against the border MoU.
JACBoM chairman Erwin K Sutnga told reporters that the organisation will take into confidence the Syiem, land owners and various Himas and move forward to chalk out strategy to stand up against the MoU, and even opt for legal recourse, if required. The committee will hold meetings in border villages and gather documentary evidences.