HBDRF slams KSA for opposing Meghalaya, Assam govt’s decision to resolve border dispute based on give and take policy

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 19, 2023

The Hynniewtrep Border Disputes Redressal Forum (HBDRF) on Friday slammed the Karbi Students Association (KSA) for opposing the decision of Meghalaya and Assam government to resolve the boundary dispute based on give and take policy and willingness of the people residing in Block-I area.

“They (KSA) have conveyed that they will not accept the decision to resolve the border dispute through give and take and willingness of the people. This is the decision taken by the two State governments. Therefore, it depends on the people whether they accept or not but creating confusion among the people is not done,” Chairman of the Forum C Sungoh said in a statement issued here.

He also urged the Karbi residents of Elaka Labang Nangphyllut Pangam Raliang and West Jaintia Hills not to create any problem, which may unnecessarily lead to communal tension.

He said the Karbi should know about the facts before and after the notification dated April 13, 1951 was issued.

“As residents of Block-I and as a Forum, we stand firm that we are the rightful owner of our land and that we cannot accept this notification because it was forcefully issued by the Assam government,” Sungoh said.

“Therefore, the notifications of 1955 and 1957 and also as per the Joint Ground Demarcations of the two district councils – United Cachar Mikir Hills and United Khasi Jaintia Hills – in the year 1958, had accepted and agreed to retransfer the Block-I and Block-II from United Cachar Mikir Hills to the United Khasi Jaintia Hills,” he added.

On KSA leader’s statement that a Manipur-like situation will take place if such land goes to Meghalaya, Sungoh however said, “As residents and owner of the land, we have every right to demand our rights. Moreover, the Assam government has also admitted that Block-I is a disputed area. Therefore, we want to demand our rights as per law and not through guns or weapons or through bloodshed.”

“We also appeal to all residents of Block-I not to be misled by the statement of the KSA leader but to be firm in their stand,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Forum also warned that the Khasi-Pnar people will fight back if the Karbi dare to make a wrong move.