By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 6: The Hynniewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBDRF) strongly opposes Assam’s proposal to set up a police outpost at Labangap, warning the move will intensify tensions in the disputed Block One area.
The HBDRF cited a history of conflict in the area, including disrupted harvesting, restricted access to fields for residents, and past stone-pelting incidents involving police personnel, as reasons why the outpost should not be established.
Forum leader Thomas Passah demanded that the Meghalaya government clearly state its position, asserting, “We want the government’s stance, but ours is clear: this should not be allowed.”
The Forum convened a meeting today to review unresolved issues stemming from its July 25, 2025, discussion with the Chief Minister and senior officials regarding Blocks 1 and 2 along the Assam–Meghalaya boundary.
Mr. Passah reiterated three key demands presented previously. The first requires residents of the disputed blocks to be allowed to obtain essential documents (birth certificates, PAN, and Aadhaar) from either Assam or Meghalaya, preventing administrative hurdles. The Chief Minister had reportedly assured the HBDRF that this matter would be addressed with Assam counterparts.
Second, the Forum proposed that development projects in the border areas proceed without obstruction, suggesting both states share the workload—for example, five projects undertaken by Meghalaya and five by Assam—to avoid duplication or conflict.
Third, the HBDRF urged the government to formally recognize villages within the disputed areas and sanction village court heads, requesting the issuance of Sanads by the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) to streamline local administration.
Despite sending follow-up and reminder letters, the HBDRF reports receiving no response from the government. Passah warned that this continued silence worsens challenges for residents, cautioning that the government appears to be “taking it lightly” and stressing that the Forum “deserves to know the progress.”
Due to this lack of movement, the HBDRF plans to seek another meeting with the Chief Minister. If positive action remains absent, the Forum intends to mobilize stakeholders in Block One to press for implementation of their demands.
