SHILLONG:
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, overseeing Urban Affairs and serving as Chairman of the Regional Committee for West Jaintia Hills District, addressed the ongoing discussions concerning Block-I and the impending agreement with Assam on Monday. Dhar emphasised that signing any agreement with Assam is not on the immediate agenda as the Block-I issue remains under discussion.
Speaking to reporters, Dhar stated, “If any agreement has to be signed, we have to consult thoroughly with our local people from that area only, and the question of signing now does not arise as it is under discussion.”
Dhar’s remarks came after the Hynniewtrep Border Disputes Redressal Forum (HBDRF) urged the State government not to proceed with any agreement if Assam does not transfer Block I back to Meghalaya.
Regarding the regional committees’ meetings, Dhar mentioned that they have yet to convene due to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He noted that the final report of the regional committee is pending, as the district administration is conducting an exercise along the border to determine the distribution of villages between Khasis and Karbis.
On the issue of relocating the Sweepers’ Colony from Them Iew Mawlong, Dhar stated that the government plans to hold another meeting with the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) to reach a resolution.
He assured that the government is committed to resolving the issue within the year, as encouraged by the court. Dhar expressed optimism, stating that both parties would meet soon to address the matter effectively.