SHILLONG,April 02: Today the 2nd of April, with grave concern over losing large portions of the Raid and Hima areas to Assam in the border resolution for which an MoU has been signed by the two Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya in New Delhi, the 3 Himas which include Hima Mylliem, Jirang and Nongspung had a meeting.
The meeting was held on the matter relating to the loss of major parts of their area to Assam which at the same time gave rise to public fury on the decision of the Government to hand over certain areas without having a clear discussion with the Syiems, the District Council and also local village administrators who are more knowledgeable about the boundary line before signing the MoU with Assam.
In this meeting were also present the Syiem of Hima Jirang, R.H Wahlang, Secretary of Hima Nongspung, E.Mawlong, Basan Nongkseh of Hima Mylliem, Nathaniel Thangkhiew, Syiem of Raid Marwet, Ken Syiem, High Court Advocates, Erwin Sutnga and I.S. Teron, Chief Adviser Amri Karbi National Council, Desh Demoria along with Headmen and different civil society organisations of Ri-Bhoi District.
In this meeting which lasted for hours, they took a decision to submit a petition with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya who must promptly reverse the MoU signed with the Assam Government, as it will greatly affect the situation of the residents living in the interstate border areas and the loss of these sites especially those which provide income to the village inclusive of the Dreamland Amusement Park in Khanapara,the fishpond in Maikhuli and other sites.
Speaking with one of the land owners on whose land the Assam Government has built a Transit Camp in Khanapara, he expressed sadness on the decision of the State Government even as the site is under litigation in the Supreme Court, yet it has been snatched forcefully from them and given to Assam without any information given to them or any consensus sought from them.
