From Our Correspondent
JOWAI, March 27: The Federation of Khasi Jaintia & Garo People (FKJGP), West Jaiñtia Hills unit, on Friday organised a rally and public meeting in Jowai to demand the immediate resolution of the long-standing interstate boundary dispute with Assam.
The rally, which saw participation from FKJGP units of West and North Khasi Hills, border residents and various other organisations, began at Lad Kiang Nangbah and concluded with a meeting at Iawmusiang.
Addressing the gathering, speakers sharply criticised the state government for its “continued silence” on the issue.
They noted that while successive governments have made repeated promises during elections, no concrete action has been taken since the state’s inception in 1972.
Leaders from border villages, including Lapangap and Mukroh, highlighted the hardships faced by residents due to the unresolved dispute.
They alleged that several lives have been lost in firing incidents involving Assam forces linked to encroachment conflicts. Beyond the interstate issue, the speakers also flagged concerns regarding the Bangladesh border, including matters related to fencing.
FKJGP president Cundee Cliff Khongsit and general secretary Eldie Lyngdoh were among the senior leaders present during the public meeting. Similar rallies have already been conducted in Ri-Bhoi and West Khasi Hills.
Meanwhile, the organisation has warned that they will escalate their agitation by holding a larger protest in the state capital if the government fails to respond to their demands.
It may be mentioned that the meeting also featured addresses from representatives of the Co-Ordination Committee on International Border (CCIB), KSU, JSU and local residents of border areas.
