Shillong/ Nongstoin:
The government has ruled out the possibility of revisiting the agreement signed between Meghalaya and Assam for ending the border dispute in six areas of difference.
“From what I see, it is not going to be easy for the two states to review the agreement,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters on Monday. He was responding to the growing demand from several quarters for revisiting the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two states on March 29.
He, however, said that the government is ready to clarify point by point on the agreement if required adding “such decision will be taken when the chief minister returns.”
Refusing to comment on the allegation of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) that even areas which were not contentious would also be transferred to Assam, Tynsong,however, said, “Let Ardent Basaiawmoit say whatever he likes but we have already collected all documents, checked each one, checked each and every representation and accordingly we have taken a decision. So let them say anything, but those people who do not know exactly, I think they talk only in the air.”
“But let me tell you the reality is that this is the only way out where we can resolve this boundary issue once and for all,” he said.
Stating that both Assam and Meghalaya governments are facing similar pressure from those opposing the border agreement, the deputy chief minister, however, said adjustment is needed to resolve the long-pending boundary issue once and for all.
DEMAND FOR CANCELLING MoU
NGOs from Garo Hills and Khasi Hills along with more than 500 people of Malangkona and other adjoining areas attended a public meeting held at Simanaguri school campus and demanded revocation of the MoU.
Prominent pressure groups, which included Garo Students Union (GSU) CEC Tura, ADE, AYWO, Tura Senior Citizens Forum, GSU Khasi Hills Zone, KSU Riangdo Circle and members of Nonglang Sirdarship attended the meeting.
In the meeting, Garo Hills-based NGO leaders gave the assurance to the public that they will meet with the chief minister and will demand cancellation of the MOU and if he fails to do so they will hold a series of agitational programme in different parts of Garo Hills and Khasi Hills which have been affected by the MoU.
KSU members of Riangdo Circle have extended full support to the Garo Hills-based NGOs and they are willing to stand united on this issue.
The Garo Hills-based Mother’s Union and other women organisations will hold a meeting with the women of the border areas and discuss the issue on April 12.
Also, they have decided to hold a peace rally from Simanaguri to Sildubi village on April 13.
NGOs from Garo Hills and Khasi Hills along with people of Malangkona and other adjoining areas attend a public meeting at Simanaguri school campus on Monday.