From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Nov 27: On the sidelines of the ongoing border negotiations to iron out the long standing dispute between Assam and Meghalaya, the Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM), Western Ri-Bhoi, on Monday raised concerns regarding the ongoing road construction taken up by Assam in Bakhlapara village. The village is located under Hima Nongspung in Ri-Bhoi.
Despite recent attempts by HANM, Western Ri-Bhoi, to thwart the road construction by asserting the jurisdiction under Hima Nongspung, the Assam government continued with the project, dismissing strong opposition from Hima Nongspung and the organisation.
Addressing the media on Monday, president of HANM Western Ri-Bhoi, Sumar Lyngdoh, and working president of HANM, Ri-Bhoi, Donroi Kshiar, expressed deep concern over Assam government’s actions. They brought the media’s attention to the ongoing construction within the jurisdiction of Hima Nongspung in Meghalaya, despite objections from the local organisation and Hima Nongspung.
The HANM leaders pointed out that the ongoing border settlement for the second phase adds complexity to the situation. They questioned as to how Assam executed a developmental project within Meghalaya’s jurisdiction without the knowledge or consent of the Meghalaya government.
In response to these developments, the organisation announced its intention to submit a complaint letter to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi.
The letter urges immediate intervention to halt the road project.
The leaders warned that if authorities fail to address the matter seriously, the organisation would not hesitate to take further action to safeguard Meghalaya’s land, vowing not to allow even one inch to be ceded to Assam.