From Our Correspondent
JOWAI, Aug 19: The Hynniewtrep Border Disputed Redressal Forum (HBDRF) met Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon at Saint Clareth Parish Hall in Phramer, West Jaintia Hills on Saturday, to discuss the ongoing border issues between Meghalaya and Assam.
During the meeting, HBDRF chairman Chandame Sungoh handed over a formal representation to the MP, urging the re-unification and re-transfer of Labang Nangphyllut Dolloiship (Block-1) to Jaintia Hills.
The representation detailed the historical rights of the Khasi-Pnar people over their homeland and the perceived injustice by the Assam government when Labang Nangphyllut Dolloiship was forcefully demarcated and transferred to the United Cachar Mikirs Hills district during the creation of District Councils in 1949-50. According to the Forum, this area should have remained within the United Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
The Forum also highlighted the legal and violent actions taken by the Karbi community against the Khasi-Pnar people, which led to them being displaced from their land and becoming refugees in 1972, 2003, and 2015. Sungoh expressed concern that the ongoing border settlement talks between Meghalaya and Assam might not result in the reunification of Block-1 with Jaintia Hills.
Sungoh urged MP Syngkon to bring this issue to the attention of Parliament and to negotiate with high-ranking members of the central government for a resolution. He stressed the need for intervention and pressure from the Union government to ensure a just outcome.
In response, the MP assured the Forum that he would raise the issue with the central government and promised to meet the Forum again if necessary to further discuss and address their concerns.