Allegation of encroachment by Assam

NONGPOH, April 25: With the second round of interstate border talks between Meghalaya and Assam set to resume in May, reports have now emerged about yet another encroachment by Assam in Nongwah Mawtamur, one of the six areas of difference to be resolved in the second phase of border talks.
According to reports, the Assam government has allegedly intruded into a large area of the village, with the establishment of a forest beat house beside the Umthna River.
The encroachment by Assam has been attributed to the lackadaisical attitude of the state government, the Khasi Hills District Autonomous Council and the Ri-Bhoi district administration.
The area near the Umthna River has been fenced by the Assam government and a road has been built along the river to connect Lokhra in Guwahati to Rani Jirang, which the villagers have protested tooth and nail but to no avail.
The villagers have expressed concern over the situation and the lack of action from the authorities, with the headman of the village urging the Meghalaya government to settle the boundary dispute by properly verifying land documents.