SHILLONG, MAR 21: With reports of the Assam government preparing to construct an SBI Sabuda branch, of which a foundation stone has already been laid, and the construction of an entrance gate saying “Welcome to Karbi Anglong” in the Meghalaya-Assam disputed areas, the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) has demanded from the Meghalaya government to put pressure on the union government to amend the North – Eastern Areas (Reorganization) Act, 1971 to ensure that areas under disputed Block I and Block II are restored to Meghalaya.
The Block-I and Block-II which fell under Meghalaya were transferred to Assam under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.
UDP and opposition leader Donkupar Roy made the demand for the amendment during the question hour in the ongoing budget session of the Meghalaya assembly on Thursday.
Roy said, “The state government has to push with the centre for amending the act else Block I and Block II will never come back to Meghalaya.”
Replying to Roy chief minister Mukul Sangma assured the assembly that steps have been taken to include the areas under Block I and Block II under the territory of Meghalaya. He said, “The state government has handed over to the Assam the evidence/justifying each of the 12 areas of difference including Block I and Block II.”
Sangma also informed the house that Block I and Block II were tagged to the then United Mikir and North Cachar Hills district on April 13, 1951.He told the house that there will be more engagement with the Assam government to resolve the imbroglio.
With regard to illegal construction of the SBI branch, Sangma revealed that the government is seized of the matter (in Sabuda village) and has asked for a report from the Ri Bhoi deputy commissioner based on the ground reality. He said, “If the matter cannot be solved at the Deputy Commissioner’s level there is a mechanism to deal with it at the Chief Secretary’s level.”- By Our Reporter
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