Shillong, April 8: BJP leader and former health minister AL Hek on Friday assured to take up the grievances of the border residents with the Government of India and central leadership of the party in view of the MoU signed between Assam and Meghalaya to end the dispute in six areas of difference.
Hek informed that he has received lot of letters from the Himas and Dorbar Shnongs falling under the disputed areas.
“We have seen the grievances of the people. Therefore, it is our duty and responsibility as a leader to take up and bring to the notice of the Government of India and BJP national leaders,” he told reporters.
Stating that there are many who are for and against the MoU, Hek said that the party will collect more information on the ground.
Hek ready to revisit MoU
Contrary to the statement of the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that the two states should not reopen the issue (MoU), Hek, however, said he welcomes the decision of the MDA partners for revisiting the border pact.
“I welcome the decision taken by the other alliance partners in the MDA as you had mentioned about the HSPDP, UDP, PDF that they want to revisit the MoU,” he added.
The Pynthorumkhrah MLA further asserted the need to take the stakeholders especially those residing in the border areas into consideration.
“That is why I am telling you that meeting with the stakeholders, especially the residents of the border area, is more important before taking the final decision,” he said.
When asked if there is lack of unity among the MDA coalition partners on the issue, Hek said, “You have already replied (by asking the question that there is lack of unity in the MDA).” He however reiterated that the government needs to take all stakeholders on board before taking the final decision.
Meanwhile, the border pact is awaiting the final stamp of the Parliament. Sarma had recently informed that the second phase of border talks for resolving the remaining six areas of difference will take place by June – July.