By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 13: Shooting off a second reminder, the Hynniewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBDRF) has sought an update from Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on the steps taken by the state government to address the grievances of residents living in Block-I, along the Meghalaya-Assam boundary.
Submitting its letter to the chief minister on Thursday, the forum expressed concern over the government’s continued silence despite multiple representations and meetings on the long-pending border issues.
Speaking to reporters after handing over the letter at the CM’s office, HBDRF adviser Thomas Passah said the Forum has given the government ten days to respond on whether any action has been initiated. “We had expected some communication or update from the government on the steps taken to address the concerns of Block-I residents. If we are not informed, it reflects an unprofessional attitude on the part of the government,” Passah stated.
He added that the residents are growing anxious over the lack of progress and that the Forum will soon convene another meeting with villagers to decide the next course of action if there is no response within the deadline.
Passah also highlighted the difficulties faced by people in the border villages in obtaining key documents such as Scheduled Tribe certificates and Aadhaar cards, which are essential for education, employment, and accessing government welfare schemes.
“Villagers should have the liberty to decide whether to obtain these documents from the Meghalaya or Assam government,” he said, adding that no concrete steps have been taken by the state to resolve this issue.
In the letter submitted to the chief minister, HBDRF chairman Chandame Sungoh reminded the government of several previous correspondences and meetings including a representation dated June 25, 2025, concerning the alleged actions of the Socheng Amreng Border Development Committee (SABDC).
A meeting held on May 25 with the chief minister and senior officials at the Secretariat and a joint representation dated August 13, 2025, seeking inclusion of villages under Elaka Labang Nangphyllut as recognised by the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
Despite these repeated efforts, Sungoh said the Forum has not received any official response or action taken report from the government. “The silence on such a critical issue is deeply concerning, considering the socio-political and developmental implications for the affected border areas and indigenous communities,” the letter stated.
The HBDRF has urged the state government to respond within two weeks from the date of receipt of the letter, reiterating its hope that the administration will act in the spirit of transparency, accountability, and community welfare to resolve the long-standing border grievances.
