By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 26: The Hynniewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBDRF) has called for the state government’s intervention regarding the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council’s (KAAC) alleged attempt to reconstruct the entry tax gate in the disputed areas of Khanduli and Block-I.
HBDRF leaders initially planned to meet with the Chief Minister but, due to his absence, were asked to submit a memorandum outlining the concerns of border residents.
Chairman of the HBDRF, C Sungoh, stated that the memorandum includes three main points — the reconstruction of the entry tax gate through the Socheng Amreng Border Development Committee (SABDC), addressing land registration issues, and investigating a suspected murder.
A rift occurred between border residents of Assam and Meghalaya (exact month yet to be confirmed) after the KAAC initially set up the tax gate at the border area. Although the issue was resolved, Sungoh noted that the Karbis exploited the peace resolution by setting conditions such as the reconstruction of the tax gate.
Additionally, the SABDC has demanded that Khasi-Pnar residents, whose paddy fields fall within Karbi territory, register their lands with the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.
The HBDRF has also urged the state government to establish an enquiry committee to investigate the alleged murder of Tellme Talang, whose body was found on the other side of the border.