Assam police’s 4th attempt to set up OP in Khatkasla foiled due to stern opposition from Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 13, 2019

KHATKASLA: The attempt of the Assam Police to set up a police outpost at Khatkasla Village, West Jaintia Hills District was once again foiled for the fourth time due to the stern opposition of the State Government as it is disputed area between Assam and Meghalaya and status quo agreement needs to be upholds till a permanent solution is arrived.

This time the Assam Police carry on their plans for setting up the Police Outpost in Khatkasla with aid of JCB Vehicle for leveling the lands at Iurim Biam, Umkhyrmi under Khatkasla Village in the last week of May, this year. The matter was promptly brought to the attention of the SP West Jaintia Hills District on 28th May, last for necessary actions by the Waheh Chnong of Khatkasla as well as Psiar Village.

After two weeks, the Assam police numbering more than 50 personnel under the leadership of senior District officers from West Karbi Anglong District came to the cleared lands yesterday for constructing the building of the Police Outpost and also erected a temporary shelter shed for accommodation of police personnel as to resist any opposition from local Khasi Pnar people.

Senior officials and police party from West Jaintia Hills rushed to the spot to stop the construction on being informed of the incident. However the Assam police did not pay any heed and carry on their works and they even stayed the whole night.

Taking matter seriously, senior officials and police personnel numbering more than 40 went again to the spot this morning to stop the construction in disputed areas. There was heated argument between the two government officials of Assam and Meghalaya and finally the Assam officials agreed to stop the construction and also dismantled the temporary shelter shed.

Notably, since late 2000 the Assam police attempted to construct a police outpost in a land near Kurelia Bridge but it was stopped due to opposition then again they attempted to set up the outpost in a land at the end of the said Bridge.

Again on 29th January, 2018, the Assam police attempted the same in Community Forest of Khatkasla-Psiar Village but it was stopped.