SHILLONG:
The final report of the Regional Committee Ratacherra, East Jaintia Hills district, on the inter-state boundary issue, on Friday, stated that the Assam government has agreed to the proposed demarcation but demanded rights over the Malidor River.
“The last meeting was held at Khanapara, Guwahati on December 22, 2021 where the Assam counterpart agreed to the proposed demarcation…as per the Map…but demanded that the rights over the river be given to the Assam Government,” the report reads.
The report, however, recommended that authority over the river should be taken up by both the states on their own side.
“On this, it may be stated that the Malidor River being the natural boundary, it may be proposed that the authority over the river shall be taken up by both the state on their own side and it may be used only for domestic purposes and not for commercial purpose, as that may lead to soil erosion and other environmental hazards to the river,” it said.
According to the report, Ratacherra, one of the six areas of difference between Assam and Meghalaya, falls under the jurisdiction of East Jaintia Hills district which consists of a population of 2225 people (as per village register) belonging to the Pnar and War tribe, whereas the Karbi tribe inhabits the Malidor village.