SHILLONG, May 19: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council on Thursday clarified that the five affected Himas are planning to move a PIL before the court to challenge the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between Meghalaya and Assam for resolution of the dispute in six of the 12 areas of differences.
KHADC Executive Member in-charge Elaka, Jambor War said that the five Himas – Hima Jirang, Hima Nongspung, Hima Mylliem, Hima Jyrngam and Hima Nonglang – were contemplating to file the PIL but it was wrongly misinterpreted that the Council would challenge the MoU.
War said that a coordination committee has been formed to assist the Himas if they face any difficulty while preparing their case to challenge the MoU.
“The KHADC as the custodian would provide all possible help to the Himas. But it is the Himas who would be the petitioner if the PIL is moved either in the Meghalaya High Court or the Supreme Court. We may be respondents to the PIL,” said War, who is also the chairman of the coordination committee.
Asserting that the land documents were with the Himas and not with the Council, he said, “It is for this reason we had advised the Himas to examine their documents and papers to put up a strong case against the MoU.”
Asked about the coordination committee, War said he had not convened any meeting since the Himas were yet to reach out to the Council seeking help. “As far as I know, the Himas are busy preparing their case for filing of the PIL,” he added.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition in the KHADC, PN Syiem had said that the coordination committee, headed by War, will take the decision to move to court against the MoU signed between Meghalaya and Assam as it seeks to transfer lands falling under the jurisdiction of the five Himas to Assam.
“The coordination committee will submit a report to the KHADC boundary committee for its final approval before we move the court,” Syiem had said.
It may be recalled that the NPP MDCs in the KHADC had said they will not be a part of any move by the Council to go to court against the MoU.
NPP parliamentary party chairman, Gigur Myrthong had said that they have written to Chief Executive Member Titosstarwell Chyne that they will not be a part of any such exercise. The 11 NPP members in the KHADC have extended support to the MoU signed by the two states.
