SHILLONG, MAR 27: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday said his government has chosen to wipe the tears of the people living on the border by finding a solution to end the dispute between the two states – Meghalaya and Assam.
“We chose to wipe the tears of the people living in the border…as a government we are firm that we will find a solution to this no matter what narratives are being created,” Sangma said in his reply to a short duration discussion on tax collected by the KAAC from the broomstick farmers in Block-II moved by Congress legislator from Mawhati Charles Marngar in the Assembly.
He added, “As responsible leaders we need to ask ourselves should we create narratives or should we remember people living in those areas.”
Urging the members to visit the border areas, Sangma said, “You will be able to realise the pain that they (people) are going through and that there is no easy solution to this.”
Referring to the map displayed by the VPP legislator from Nongkrem Ardent M Basaiawmoit while participating in the discussion, the chief minister said, “He (Basaiawmoit) has only reaffirm our stand and he has spoken in favour of the government (as) we are firm and that we have not surrendered those areas (in Block-II.”
He said that Assam has also a different map and that is why because of the areas of difference, the two states are engaging and discussing the need to find an amicable solution.
“If we do not engage I don’t see we will be able to resolve the border issue,” Sangma added.
On the tax collected on broomstick by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), the chief minister said that the KAAC has set up 4 gates in different locations which are under the areas of difference adding that this is not something which just happened as this has been going on for a very long time.
“One of the main reasons we realise that all these things are creating a lot of problems for our farmers and that is reason why in spite of the challenges the MDA government has been firmed that we need to ultimately find a solution to the border issue,” he said while asserting “Inspite of the difficulties, we are determined to find solution so that problem don’t continue so that people are safe and do their affect economic activities.”
He assured that the issue will also be discussed in the next meeting of the regional committee to ensure that people residing at the border do not suffer.
“Whatever steps can be taken from the state government, we are doing and we are working very hard to ensure these kinds of different issues can be resolved…,” Sangma said.
According to him, the state government has been proactive in helping the farmers by ensuring that broomstick is part of the agroforestry products so that they do not have to pay forest taxes. This was a very big step taken by the MDA government to ensure big relief is extended to the farmers.
Also replying to a call attention moved by UDP legislator from Nongpoh Mayralborn Syiem, the chief minister said that the two states have agreed that development activities should not be stopped by either side while the process is on to find a solution to this complicated problem.
“While we do that, there are situations where there is lots of tension in these areas and there could be instances where things get complicated but a lot of people do not realise because of the communication and engagement and continuous discussion at different levels…we have been able to move forward on a number of developmental activities. Many situations which could have led to more tensions were resolved due to this communication,” he said.
Stating that a permanent solution is the only way to ensure long lasting peace, the chief minister said, “Hence, we must all work together to come to the best solution to this border issue so that the people do not suffer anymore.”
Both the chief ministers are also making strong efforts to ensure safety and security of the people are maintained and developmental works should not be stopped in the process of finding a solution to the border issue,” he added.
According to him, the government of Meghalaya had already created border outposts to ensure safety is provided to the people living on the border.
By Our Reporter
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