SHILLONG, Sep 27: The state government overlooked many prominent leaders while constituting the three regional committees to examine the status of border disputes between Meghalaya and Assam in the remaining six areas.
The CEM of Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and the EMs of JHADC as well as Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) have been co-opted as members of the committees.
But, interestingly, the government overlooked KHADC CEM Titosstarwell Chyne and the likes of HSPDP president and former MLA of Rambrai-Jyrngam KP Pangniang and Trinamool Congress legislator George B Lyngdoh.
When contacted, Chyne said he has nothing to comment on the government’s decision to not include him.
“My main concern is the outcome of this exercise. I hope people will be happy with the solution which they (government) are going to arrive at,” he said.
The non-inclusion of Pangniang has come as a surprise considering his in-depth knowledge of the Langpih area. The former MLA of Rambrai-Jyrngam, however, took it easy.
“I am happy that the present government is making efforts to solve this long-pending issue. Whether I am included or not is a non-issue. I am ready to assist the regional committee if it requires my inputs,” Pangniang said.
He said he hopes the government will be able to find a solution that is acceptable to people and all stakeholders.
The three committees will examine the status of the disputes in Langpih (West Khasi Hills), Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Desh Doomreah and Block-II (Ri-Bhoi) and Block-I and Psiar-Khanduli (West Jaintia Hills).
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong will be the chairman of the Ri-Bhoi district regional committee, Cabinet Minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar will be the chairman of West Khasi Hills district regional committee while Cabinet Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar will lead the West Jaintia Hills panel, an official statement said.
The Ri-Bhoi committee will have Cabinet Minister Dasakhiatbha Lamare, Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, KHADC EM (Elaka) Jambor War and Umroi MDC Rangkynsai Kharbuki as members.
The West Khasi Hills committee will have Nongstoin MLA Macmillan Byrsat, Rambrai-Jyrngam MLA Kimfa Sydney Marbaniang, KHADC Deputy CEM Gigur Myrthong and Rambrai-Jyrngam MDC Bajop Pyngrope as members.
The West Jaintia Hills panel will have Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Raliang MLA Comingone Ymbon, Mowkaiaw MLA Nujorki Sungoh and JHADC CEM Thombor Shiwat as members.
The deputy commissioner of the respective districts will be the member-convenor of the regional committees.
