Mukul Sangma, the former Chief Minister and leader of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), visited Mawiong, Barapathar, and Mallangkona in Ribhoi district on Wednesday, following reports that residents in these areas are dissatisfied with the border deal inked by Assam and Meghalaya. In a statement to the media, the former CM and AITC member remarked that the areas of divergence along the Assam-Meghalaya border are inherently complex.
The AITC leader launched a mocking assault on Conrad Sangma, claiming that Assam is satisfied with the MOU because Meghalaya has a Chief Minister who is willing to agree to everything with Assam, and that this is why Assam is rushing to complete the settlement since Assam benefits. So it’s clear that Assam’s Chief Minister is pleased, but our goal is to serve the people’s interests, not to please or displease anyone.
He went on to say that it is not Meghalaya’s land, but the land of the Himas, and that any settlement with their equivalent must first be negotiated with the Himas, and that if they are prepared to settle, it should happen; otherwise, it should not.
Meanwhile, The All Khasi Hills A’chik Federation (AKHAF) has spoken out against the MoU struck on the basis of a give-and-take strategy, claiming that Meghalaya received nothing from the pact and that Assam reaped all of the benefits.
“On the basis of the give-and-take policy, 15 or more villages such as Hahim, Salbari, Malchapara, and others went to Assam.” What benefit has it brought to Meghalaya? “Why is the CM only giving and not taking?” you might wonder. Sanggra Marak, the leader of the AKHAF, was questioned.
“If the government does not examine and rescind the deal, we will pursue our own path and fight for our people.” Regional committees should be formed, including members of the ruling party, the opposition, and leaders of diverse organisations. The regional committees that had been appointed earlier had failed to fulfill.” it added.
