KHADC to take final decision on border pact on April 26

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 18, 2022

The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has decided to take a final call on April 26,  with regards to the action against the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Meghalaya and Assam for resolving the boundary dispute in 6 of 12 areas of difference.

The decision was taken after a meeting convened by the Boundary Committee of the KHADC with the traditional heads and landowners from five Himas ( chiefdoms) affected by the border agreement.

After the meeting, executive member in-charge Elaka Jambor War told reporters that the MoU signed with Assam has to a great extent affected the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the five Himas – Hima Mylliem, Hima Nongspung, Hima Jirang, Hima Nonglang and Hima Jyrngam Sirdarship.

“In view of this, the boundary committee has decided to convene the meeting to discuss the action against the MoU and agreement signed between the two states in New Delhi. The meeting has resolved to defer the discussion to April 26, to take a final call on the matter,” War said.

Stating that the KHADC will fight to retain these lands which have been given to Assam as per the MoU, the EM said, “Why I said this because the signing of MoU was not as per report of the Council submitted to the state government and not as per reports of the two regional committees of West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi sectors. This has led to the protest among the people, especially the stakeholders from the border areas.”

Asked, War said the traditional heads are totally opposing the MoU signed with Assam as it does not tally with the report submitted by the KHADC’s boundary committee and the reports of the two regional committees and the failure of the state government to include the stakeholders including the district council, landowners and traditional heads.

War further reiterated the stand of the KHADC that resolving the boundary dispute with Assam should be as per the boundaries of the respective Himas.

“We have submitted land documents which clearly stated the ownership rights of the people over the land,” he said.

The EM also maintained that the district council as a custodian of the tribal land along with the traditional heads will decide on other means to deal with the prevailing situation arising due to the MoU.