A CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that 36 villages claimed by Meghalaya in 2011 had been recommended to be within Meghalaya in the six areas of differences that were resolved in the first phase. The Chief Minister made this statement on the inter-state boundary issue with Assam during the budget session.
Sangma informed that an area of 36.79 sq. km in these six areas were under differences and after detailed discussion, surveys and visits being made by the Regional Committees, approximately 18 sq.km plus/minus will come to Meghalaya and 18 sq.km plus/minus will go to Assam.
"Ownership of the land will not be affected, irrespective of the administrative control by whichever state gets the particular area," Sangma said.
In Tarabari, West Khasi Hills district, out of the eight villages claimed by Meghalaya in 2011, all have been recommended to be in the state. In Gizang, West Khasi Hills district, out of the three villages claimed by Meghalaya, two have been recommended to be in the state. In Hahim, also in West Khasi Hills district, out of the 12 claimed by Meghalaya, 11 have been recommended to be in the state. In Ri Bhoi district, two areas of differences were looked into. In the Boklapara area, out of the two villages that were claimed in the area, Boklapara village will come to Meghalaya and Jimrigaon village will go to Assam.
In the Khanapara-Pillangkata area out of the six villages claimed by Meghalaya in 2011, five have been recommended to be in the state. In Ratacherra in East Jaintia Hills district, out of the five villages claimed by Meghalaya in 2011, three have been recommended to be in the state.
Sangma informed that the three Regional Committees tasked to visit the six areas of differences made a total of 22 visits and meetings. The Chief Minister told the House that the three Regional Committees visited the six areas of difference, carried out consultations not only with the villagers and local communities living in the areas but also with other stakeholders like traditional heads, district councils and civil society organizations.
Also Watch: