By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 11: A long-awaited demand of residents living along Meghalaya’s sensitive border areas was finally met with the inauguration of a new Border Outpost (BOP) at Mooriap village under the Saipung Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Block in East Jaintia Hills.
Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla, who inaugurated the BOP, hailed the event as a turning point for the region, particularly for villages such as Mooriap, Umkyrpong, Lakasein, Samasi, Mynthlu, Kremmyrsiang, Pala and Mynthning, which have long struggled with safety concerns.
In her address during the inaugural programme, she also praised the district administration and police for realising a project that had been on hold for years.
Calling on the community to remain vigilant, Shylla encouraged residents to actively report threats and participate in shaping better governance.
The MLA also reiterated the state government’s broader commitment to developing border regions, stating that infrastructure, security and connectivity were all part of the state’s vision to uplift remote communities.
Echoing her sentiments, East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi noted that the BOP would greatly reduce the hardship faced by residents who previously had to travel considerable distances to access police support.
He outlined other initiatives in the area, such as the construction of road and community halls, and the provision of ambulances, made possible through the active support of the local MLA.
Awasthi also shed light on the ongoing use of the Police Infrastructure Renovation Fund (PIRF), which aims to modernise police facilities and improve working conditions.
He then highlighted a growing concern—child marriage—and urged citizens to report such cases for swift action.
Meanwhile, East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad emphasised the strategic role the BOP would play in reinforcing law and order in the border belt.
He stated that the outpost would not only strengthen the police presence but also foster a sense of trust and cooperation between the force and the public.
Recently, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong had informed that seven new BOPs have been established in four districts along the disputed boundary with Assam to ensure the safety and security of residents in the region. According to the deputy chief minister, the BOPs have been set up at Rani-Jirang in Ri-Bhoi district, Langpih, Lejadubi, and Umwali in West Khasi Hills district, Mooriap in East Jaintia Hills, and Tihwieh and Mukroh in West Jaintia Hills.