SHILLONG, OCT 8: Meghalaya government said that it has submitted a proposal to the centre for relocation; upgradation and establishment of new police stations along the inter-state border with Assam even as it would move for the constitution of a boundary commission if the ongoing talks with Assam fails to ‘fructified’.
“We have sought the support of the centre for the need to strengthen the old police organizations as well as upgrading police outposts and establishment of new police stations in areas along the inter-state border dispute with Assam,” Sangma told the assembly on Tuesday.
Sangma was replying to supplementary question raised by opposition legislators on the third day of the autumn session. The opposition legislators have expressed their concern over the continue atrocities, harassment, encroachment by the Assam government along the inter-state boundary.
To a query raised by UDP legislator Paul Lyngdoh who reminded that during the last session, the house had resolved to abolish all police outposts, Sangma said, “I recollect that the state government had earlier made its stand known on the need to upgrade police outposts to police stations in the border areas.”
Sangma informed, “The centre however had asked the state government to submit a proposal relating to the militancy infested areas of the state in the first phase and then the areas along the inter-state boundary dispute in the second phase which we have already submitted for approval.”
“The centre is considering the proposals and it will communicate to the state government shortly,” Sangma added.
With regards to the next step of the state government if the Assam government fails to response, Sangma said, “This house would then take a resolution to urge the government of India to take steps for creation of a Boundary Commission at the earliest.”
With regards to the status of the boundary issue, Sangma informed, “As a follow up on the above, a meeting between the chief secretaries of Assam and Meghalaya was held on May 24, 2012, where it was agreed, interalia, that since Meghalaya has furnished the required documentary materials, the Assam government will respond shortly.” He added that some meetings were scheduled, the latest being on the September 20, 2013, which had to be deferred because of the bandh call.”
“The talks at the level of the chief secretaries are expected to resume soon,” Sangma informed.
Sangma also informed that it was on August 8, 2011, the state government has already submitted the documents to substantiate its claims in respect to the twelve areas of differences and Assam government however had sought for more time to study and examine the documents. He said, “We are waiting for the response from Assam government on the matter.”
Sangma further asserted that Meghalaya has been able to build up a strong case and the stand of the state is are clear with regard to its boundaries.
Sangma also assured to circulate the bulky documents to all the legislators.
Sangma has also brought to the notice of the assembly that the Meghalaya government in the meetings with Assam has registered its protest on the Assam government allowing people from the border to register their lands in its territory. He said, “We have protested this with Assam government and has requested that it should not encourage such registration process to take place.”
On the obstacles with regards to developmental activities in these border areas, Sangma admitted that difficulties do crop up from time to times among the inhabitants of these areas. However the matter is resolved at the level of both the district administrations.
Sangma informed that both the states have reached an agreement to maintain status quo on issues relating to developmental activities. He said,“The state government has also embarked upon introducing a special inter-state border areas programs since last year which was design to ensure that the people living in the borders have a sense of belonging.” – By Our Reporter
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