Shillong : Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun on Monday visited Maikhuli village to meet residents following renewed tensions along the Assam-Meghalaya border over an alleged attempt by people from Assam to claim a portion of the Maikhuli playground.
The situation reportedly escalated on Saturday after a group of people allegedly damaged a boundary wall and locked the gate of the playground.
During his visit, Sohtun met residents and heard their concerns, particularly over repeated disturbances faced by people in Maikhuli, a border village that has frequently reported alleged interference from across the Assam side.
The MLA also visited the areas where the boundary wall was allegedly damaged and where attempts were reportedly made to encroach upon the land.
Sohtun expressed concern over the difficulties faced by residents and assured them that he would make a special request for the village leaders to meet Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for an extended discussion so they can present their concerns in detail.
He also expressed concern over the recently signed peace agreement between Assam and Meghalaya, stating that although Meghalaya’s side was represented by the Ri-Bhoi District Magistrate during the process, no representative from the Assam government was present at the local level.
Sohtun said he would instruct the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner to engage with the Assam authorities to work towards restoring peace and ensuring security in the area.
The MLA also assured residents that he would seek the deployment of adequate police personnel in the village to strengthen security and prevent further incidents.
