By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 11: Meghalaya will proceed with discussions on the pending inter-state boundary issues in the West Jaintia Hills sector only after Assam constitutes its new government and appoints a chairman for the corresponding regional committee, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has said.
Dhar, who heads Meghalaya’s regional committee for the sector, indicated that coordination between the two states could resume once Assam formally communicates the name of its new committee head following the completion of the government formation process.
He also disclosed that Meghalaya’s assessment report on Block-I had already been prepared, but its submission to the state government was intentionally put on hold.
According to him, the report was presently with the district administration and may be forwarded later this month depending on developments from the Assam side.
The Deputy Chief Minister further stated that any decision regarding joint visits or inspections to villages located in Block-I would be taken only after consultations between the two governments.
On the law and order situation in Khanduli-Lapangap, Dhar said tensions had eased temporarily after administrative-level intervention involving officials from both Meghalaya and Assam.
He said Deputy Commissioners of West Jaintia Hills and Karbi Anglong had recently convened a meeting attended by village elders from Khanduli and Lapangap, where efforts were made to diffuse tensions in the area. Dhar maintained that the situation was peaceful for the moment.
The developments come even as the Meghalaya BJP on Sunday voiced concern over the condition of residents living in villages along the disputed Block-I belt and announced that it would take up the matter with the Centre.
State BJP general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna, after visiting Dienler village under Elaka Labang Nangphyllut, alleged that several residents in the area were facing severe hardship despite having lived there for generations.
Pohshna claimed that many families continued to remain without essential government documents and access to welfare schemes, and described the condition of villagers as alarming. He said the issue warranted urgent intervention from the authorities.
