SHILLONG:
A newly-formed group called the Joint Action Committee on Border of Meghalaya (JACBOM) has termed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Assam and Meghalaya to resolve border disputes in six areas as having no legal basis.
The committee was formed after a conglomeration of NGOS from the state, chiefs from all the three tribes of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills came together to deliberate on the grievances faced by the border residents, which became more prominent after the signing of the MoU.
Speaking to the press at a meeting of the JACBOM at Shillong Club hall on Saturday, its chairman Erwin Sutnga said, “The MoU has no legal status. The MDA government has started it on the wrong basis.”
He said that people from Meghalaya have a different background altogether as they are a matrilineal society and own private lands unlike in Assam where land mostly belong to the government.
He said that areas encroached by Assam in Meghalaya are areas of Khasi Himas.
With the next phase of border talks expected to start in June –July, he said that the JACBOM should be made a party.
On the other hand, Sutnga also informed that he has left the Congress after he was elected as chairman of the JACBOM.