SHILLONG:
The Jaintia Students Union (JSU), on August 3, met cabinet minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and submitted a memorandum on border problems arising at the disputed Block 1 area, alleging that the villagers from Meghalaya are being constantly harassed by Karbis from Assam.
Speaking to media persons, General Secretary of JSU Treiborlang R Suchen, alleged that some Karbi NGOs are stopping the people from entering Meghalaya.
“Yesterday we got a call from our people that some social groups in Block 1 area are stopping the movement of people from Meghalaya,” he said.
Stating that the Block 1 area belongs to Meghalaya, Suchen urged the state government to take the matter seriously and help the Khasi-Jaintias get back the Block 1 area under Meghalaya’s jurisdiction.
“It is essential to ensure the safety and rights of all Indian citizens. We hope that the state government will take necessary measures and initiate talks with the Assam government to address this situation and ensure the safety of the affected community,” Suchen said.
The JSU, in its memorandum, highlighted a number of points to the government to ensure safety of the Khasi-Jaintia people of Block 1 area.
The JSU said that the state government must initiate talks with Assam and find peaceful resolution to the dispute.
The JSU also urged the government to identify and apprehend the members of the unknown group responsible for threats and violence and take legal action against them.
It also requested the cabinet minister to monitor and enhance security in the area so that people in the area feel secure and safe.