Nongpoh, Sept 1: The open debate on the first phase of border settlement, organized by the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) at Patharkhmah village on Tuesday, was foiled after government officials including Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun and the members of the Regional Committee failed to attend the debate.

It may be noted that HYC organized the open debate on border settlement to strongly oppose the MoU signed by the Chief Ministers of Meghalaya and Assam. HYC said the residents who are residing along the interstate border are also strongly opposed to the MoU on the fact that even the land which purely falls under the jurisdiction of Meghalaya was forcibly parted to Assam in the first phase of border settlement.

HYC also organized a public rally, which started from Patharkhmah football ground and culminated at Patharkhmah market. During the rally, placards and banners condemning the MoU were displayed.

The rally was attended by the leaders of HYC including HYC president Robertjune Kharjarin, Vice President Roykupar Synrem, Vice President Donboklang Kharlyngdoh, HYC Ri Bhoi President Jason Lennox Nongrum and other leaders and members of the HYC both from the central body and Ri Bhoi District.

Speaking in the rally, the HYC leaders alleged that the MoU was signed blindly without any proper verification or consultation with the traditional bodies and land owners residing in the border area. They also blamed the MDA government for ‘purposely’ giving away its own land to Assam without the consent of the local residents and traditional heads who wish to be included in Meghalaya.

Synrem said, according to a RTI filed by the HYC, it was also found that as per the 2011 census, under Sector 6 the villages around Bakhlapara belong to Meghalaya, whereas the state government has surrendered Jimbrigoan and Lyngkhung villages to Assam which were under Meghalaya, adding that, the Council demands the reinstatement of these villages into Meghalaya.

The HYC and the local residents of the border area also strongly demanded for revocation of the MoU signed by the two states. They further wondered if the Constitution of India can be amended then why cannot the MoU between Assam and Meghalaya be revoked.