Border group seeks MHRC help for Block-1 residents

SHILLONG, Jan 7: Residents of Block 1 area along the interstate border with Assam have faced challenges in terms of basic facilities such as drinking water, healthcare, etc. In a bid to change this, the Hynniewtrep Border Disputed Redressal Forum on Tuesday sought the intervention of the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) to address their challenges.
Speaking to reporters after submitting a representation to the MHRC, the forum’s spokesperson, Thomas Passah, highlighted the lack of basic facilities in the area. “For a long time, the residents have been deprived of essential services such as drinking water, hospitals, and other basic amenities,” Passah said.
He also pointed out instances where militants from Assam allegedly harassed the residents, further aggravating the situation.
The forum urged both Meghalaya and Assam to maintain the status quo in the disputed area. It also emphasised that developmental schemes from either state should not be disrupted by activities initiated by the other.