Jirang MLA gets views of border villagers

NONGPOH, May 10: Ahead of the second phase of the boundary talks between the Meghalaya and Assam governments, Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun paid a visit to Nongwah Mawtamur on Wednesday to interact with local residents and gather their views, opinions, and grievances.
Six areas of dispute along the Assam-Meghalaya border were resolved through a memorandum of understanding signed in New Delhi on March 29, 2022.
The remaining areas of differences along the interstate border would be discussed in the upcoming talks, prompting Sohtun’s visit to the village within the jurisdiction of Patharkhmah Civil Sub Division in the Ri-Bhoi district.
Concerns have been raised by the villagers of Nongwah Mawtamur who fear being a part of Assam.
During his visit, Sohtun met with village leaders and elders who expressed their willingness to remain within Meghalaya.
The villagers said the border should be settled on the basis of valid documents and not the opinion of the majority.
Two village elders, Dwen Lyngdoh and Useful Lakhmie urged the MLA to take the border issue seriously and ensure that Nongwah Mawtamur remains a part of Meghalaya. They also urged him to prioritise providing more government schemes to the village, as well as improving road connectivity.
Nongwah Mawtamur hardly has any road.
Sohtun assured the villagers that he will take up their concerns with the Meghalaya government and stand firm to retain Nongwah Mawtamur at the upcoming border talks. He also urged all stakeholders to refrain from politicising the issue and protect their land through valid documents.