SHILLONG:
Governor Phagu Chauhan, on March 20, said the overall law and order in the state was peaceful even as he reiterated that the government is committed to resolve the remaining six areas of difference with Assam.
Delivering his address on the first day of the Assembly’s budget session, Chauhan said the safety of citizens, peace and security are necessary for the development of the state.
He informed that the state government has constituted a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Mukroh incident and is committed to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
“To ensure protection of our citizens in the border areas, seven border outposts have been notified,” he said.
The Governor also referred to the decision of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) for unconditional talks within the ambit of the Indian Constitution.
Stating that the peace talks have started, he said, “The state government is committed to ensure that the talks are concluded at the earliest. We are also thankful to the Government of India for their support.”
Chauhan also said that one of the significant developments of the government has been to move towards a permanent resolution to the long-standing boundary dispute between Meghalaya and Assam.
After several meetings, both the states to first take up six of the 12 areas of difference i,e, Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pillangkata and Ratacherra.
The regional committees headed by cabinet ministers from both the states have made field visits, held public hearings and discussions with all stakeholders for these six areas.
Based on the reports of the three regional committees, a MoU was signed between the states of Meghalaya and Assam in presence of the Union Home Minister.
“I am also happy to inform this August House that the state government is committed to resolve the remaining six areas of difference. This is imperative to ensure that our citizens in the bordering areas are not denied access to peace and development,” he said.
Apart from maintaining law and order, the Governor said that the Meghalaya police has focussed on improving the investigation of cases.
“This has led to an upward increase of charge sheets at 39.76% in 2022 as compared to 32.2% in 2021,” he said.
Also stating that the Meghalaya Police has made great strides and is working on a war footing against drugs, the Govenror said the overall seizures have gone up considerably with contraband worth Rs 71 crores and cash amount of Rs 60 lakh being recovered since 2022.
He said the state government is committed towards strengthening the police and creating supporting infrastructure.
In the past few years the state government has notified five new fire and emergency service stations, nice police outposts and five new police stations.