Shillong, Sept 16: Several legislators on Thursday rejected the idea of ‘give and take’ as far as the issue of border dispute with Assam is concerned.
Taking part in a special motion to resolve the border dispute, HM Shangpliang (Cong) pointed out that one of the cabinet ministers,who is heading a regional committee, had said about ‘give and take’ initiative but this is not acceptable.
Another Congress legislator PT Sawkmie also echoed the same and asserted that not even an inch of land should go to Assam.
He said if the border dispute is not amicably settled, central intervention is desired.
He also suggested the need for constitution of a state boundary committee.
The chairman of state planning board, Lambor Malngiang said that as Block I and Block II were snatched away by Assam from United Khasi and Jaintia Hills, there is a need to get back the areas.
He also rejected the move of Assam Chief Minister to adopt give and take policy to settle the border dispute.
George Lyngdoh (Congress) said while Assam is recruiting 4000 personnel to man its border , there is a need to secure the border by Meghalaya.
The MLAs from the border constituencies, Mayralborn Syiem (Cong), Sosthenes Sohtun (NPP), and Kimfa Marbaniang(Cong)also stressed the need for free registration of land and the urgent need to resolve the issue.
While Congress legislator Ampareen Lyngdoh suggested the need for formation of a House Committee, another party member Zenith Sangma recalled regular conflicts in the border and the need to resolve it once and for all.
NPP MLAs SG Mominin and Rakkam Sangma also wanted protection to the border residents.
KHNAM MLA, Adelbert Nongrum said due to the upcoming celebration of 50 years of statehood , the new slogan should be ‘no solution no celebration’.
Provide documents to MLAs
Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma urged the government to provide exhaustive documents available to all the 60 legislators.
He said the 12 areas of difference as per the documents prepared by the government ,are part and parcel of Meghalaya.
