By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 28: UDP MLA and member of the Ri-Bhoi Regional Committee on border, Mayralborn Syiem on Saturday expressed optimism that 22 villages under Block-II will be re-transferred from Assam to Meghalaya.
“We have 100 per cent hope that these areas will be re-transferred to Meghalaya. We are trying our level best. It is not that we are just talking in the media. The main thing is groundwork,” he said while talking about the sensitive Block-II area under interstate dispute.
He pointed out that the traditional heads have said there four more villages in addition to the 18 in Raid Nongtung, making the tally of villages that are to be re-transferred 22.
“We have to have firsthand information then a spot inspection to understand the willingness of the people, the geographical contiguity and historical background. All these parameters have to be in place and also the administrative convenience of the people. We should not compromise with our indigenous people staying there and I hope this area will be re-transferred to Meghalaya,” he added.
Asked what makes him certain that it will be re-transferred to Meghalaya, he said, “That is the hope we have. After the discussion, and the regional committee report, the final call will be taken at the CM level of both the states”.
“I have the impression that it is positive because we have seen the cordial relationship between the two governments and the chief ministers,” he added.
Out of the six places of dispute to be solved in the second phase of border talks, four are in Ri-Bhoi — Desh Domrea, Block-II, Borduar, and Nongwah Mawtammur.
Talking about the joint visit to these areas, Syiem said that they are waiting for Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who is the Chairman of the regional border committee, to fix a date with the Assam counterpart.
He added that now that Durga Puja celebrations are over, the joint visit should be held anytime soon.