Opp Cong condemn Assam’s illegal encroachment at Iongkhuli village

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 27, 2021

The opposition Congress has condemned the alleged illegal encroachment by Assam government at Iongkhuli village in Ri Bhoi district even as it asserted the need for the two states to resolve the border issue amicably but not by using force.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Congress spokesperson and Rangsakona legislator Zenith Sangma said that the party was shocked by the sensational and disturbing news of the invasion of the state of Assam into the territory of Meghalaya state by intruding into Iongkhuli village near Killing village by the Assam Police, who came in four buses led by an SP rank officer.

“We condemn this illegal act of Assam Police where they manhandled our elected MDC Charles Magnar in the strongest word we can ever pronounce,” he said.

Sangma said the party also thanked the local people for being the whistle blower and defending fearlessly by opposing the Assam police from removing the electricity poles erected by the MeECL and claiming the portion of land to be part of Assam.

According to him, there are 12 areas of difference in the long 884 (approx) km of Meghalaya – Assam border, which is discussed and agreed upon by both the states on different occasions during the successive governments engaging in Chief Ministerial level, Chief Secretaries’ level and respective DC’s levels.

Stating that governance is a continuous process and there are records and minutes of those previous meetings available, Sangma said therefore, the history is very important.

“The present governments should rather follow up and try to resolve amicably through engagements and dialogue not by using force, destroying sense of security and the trust upon the security forces,” he asserted.

Further, Sangma alleged that apart from the recorded 12 areas of difference, this is a fresh dispute area.

“I had cautioned the government in my press conference last week. Iongkhuli is the integral part of the territory of Meghalaya. How can police force of Assam trespass?” he asked.

“Is the government sleeping so long or is it because of the weak leadership or the present government does not bother for all these. We want the reply,” he demanded.

The Congress leader also informed that interestingly, when local people contacted the MDC, Charles Magnar at around 11:30 am, he rushed immediately and reached the spot around 1:45 PM but the SP, Ribhoi although informed at 11:30 am, he reached after 4 PM only.

“Immediately after getting the information, the MDC informed the Dy CM, Prestone Tynsong but till the last there was no action or further information and when the MDC contacted him again his call was not attended to. This is the state of affairs in our state under the present government; we don’t know what is their priority?” he said.

He added, therefore the Meghalaya government should not give indulgence into such serious matters. “Wake up and correct the matter immediately through dialogue with the intervention of the Government of India,” Sangma concluded.