NONGPOH, May 6: Effigies of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong were torched as expression of discontent over the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Meghalaya and Assam to settle the boundary dispute in six out of 12 areas, during a public meeting at Bakhlapara village in Ri-Bhoi district.
The public meeting was organised by the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) to protest against the MoU.
The meeting lambasted the regional committee while alleging that land documents and historical facts were not verified properly and that the sentiments of the people were not taken into consideration.
The public meeting was attended by the traditional chiefs of Hima Jirang, Hima Nongspung, headmen besides residents of the border areas and HYC members.
Addressing the gathering, HYC president Robert Kharjahrin said the MoU was signed without any consultation with the traditional heads, headmen and land owners, alleging that it was for their own political benefit. The HYC has vowed to not accept the border pact, he added.
Kharjahrin emphasised that the traditional heads, headmen and land owners are individuals who actually understand better the jurisdiction and historical facts. “The MDA government has instead gone ahead to sign the MoU without taking them onboard which is a gross disrespect on the part of the MDA government to the traditional heads, headmen and land owners,” he said.
