SHILLONG, DEC 16: Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Thursday expressed confidence that Assam and Meghalaya would soon be able to resolve the area of difference pertaining to Ratacherra in East Jaintia Hills district since “there is no dispute between the residents of the two states.”
Speaking to media persons, Rymbui, who is also a member of the Regional Committee for East Jaintia Hills said there is absolutely no confusion from Meghalaya side that Ratacherra falls within its jurisdiction.
He however added that the only thing is that there was a notification from the government of India where Borail Reserve Forest has been declared as a sanctuary.
“In that map of the Borail Wildlife Sanctuary (in Cachar Hills) it is also include Ratacherra village,” Rymbui said adding “So Ratacherra village as we know there is no dispute between the villagers, there is no dispute between the residents of Ratacherra and its adjoining areas, it is just a confusion between the two states.”
Expressing hope that the matter will be resolved very soon, the home minister said, “I cannot prejudge the mind of the committee but hopefully Ratacherra is one (of the areas of difference) which will make it easier to take a decision regarding the portion of Assam and portion of Meghalaya.”
The Regional Committee for East Jaintia Hills is yet to submit its final report to the chief minister Conrad K Sangma while the other two Regional Committees for Ri Bhoi and West Khasi Hills headed by the Deputy Chief Minister and PHE Minister respectively have already submitted their reports.
Asked on the reason for the delay, Rymbui said that they are not able to meet since the chairman of the regional committee from Assam has got some other engagement at the moment.
“That is why we are waiting for that meeting to happen and whatever the outcome we will submit the reports to our respective chief ministers,” he added.
Rymbui said that the regional committee headed by Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar had already submitted all necessary things to the district administration of Cachar Hills for verification.
When asked, the home minister said, “Both the committees have already completed the exercise, the issue here is we have to sit once before submitting the final report to the respective chief ministers.”
“We want in both the reports agreement to be there so that it is easier for the chief ministers to take a decision,” he further asserted.
By Our Reporter
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