By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 22: UDP MLA from Nongpoh and member of the Ri-Bhoi regional committee on boundary dispute between Meghalaya and Assam, Mayralborn Syiem, on Wednesday, said that even though the committee and its members are faced with a massive challenge, their endeavour would be to meet the aspirations of the people.
“There is a challenge to the committee and the members we do hope we keep the aspiration of the people and whatever is befitting of Para 20 of Sixth Schedule, we will abide by that,” said Syiem.
Out of the six places of dispute to be solved in the second phase of border talks, four are in Ri-Bhoi — Desh Doomreah, Block-II, Borduar, and Nongwah Mawtamur.
On the status of the regional committee’s joint visit to these villages, Syiem said Chairman of the committee Prestone Tynsong, who is the Deputy Chief Minister, is in touch with his counterpart in Assam to fix the date for the remaining areas of differences in Phase-II to be discussed, while adding that the date should be fixed soon.
When told that Block-II area has been one of the most sensitive areas, he said, “Any issue with regard to borders is a big challenge. Phase-I was also not easy to find out the ground reality. Now, especially with Block-II, which is at stake, it is the aspirations of the indigenous people here four more villages in addition to the 18 in Raid Nongtung, making the tally of villages that are to be re-transferred 22”.
Syiem said that setting up of illegal toll gates has hampered the small-time businesses in Block-II areas of Ri-Bhoi.
“Erection of toll gates has really hampered the small businesses such as timber, bamboo, ginger, and vegetables, as it has happened in Block-II. Also, people are complaining about toll gates that are erected by somebody,” said Syiem.
Stating that he is very much against the setting up of illegal toll gates be it on the national highway or the state highways and roads, the Nongpoh MLA said, “I am of the opinion that this should not happen. I am very much against illegal toll gates on highways even on the state roads”.
He, however, said that toll gates erected under the purview of law is acceptable but it should have the mandate.
Asked about the illegal toll gates operating along the national highways passing through Ri-Bhoi, he said, “It was there in the past few months, but it has been stopped”.
He said Meghalaya is a transit state and such illegal collections will only lead to increase in prices of essential commodities on the part of the transporters.
Talking about the state roads, Syiem said that there are a few gates operated by the district council besides the Forest and other departments.
