Shillong, Jan 5: Phulbari legislator SG Esmatur Mominin and Raliang MDC Robinus Syngkon on Thursday formally joined the opposition All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) or TMC ahead of the Assembly polls.

Both the leaders were welcomed by AITC state president Charles Pyngrope and Legislature Party leader and leader of opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma and other party leaders at a function held at Pinewood Hotel here.

Speaking to reporters, Mominin, who resigned as NPP MLA, said that he was not happy with the government’s decision with regards to the border issue and this was one of the main reasons he did not apply for a ticket from the National People’s Party (NPP).

He said that the issue has been there since the inception of the state in 1972 and no Chief Minister has dared to take it up because they know in order to resolve this issue, the state will have to give its land to Assam.

Mominin said that he has decided to join the TMC because its supremo Mamata Banerjee had assured that the party will try to bring back those villages which were given to Assam, if it forms the government in the state.

When asked, Mominin expressed confidence that he will be able to retain his seat.