SHILLONG: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organizations (CoMSO) has accused the state government of raising the long-standing Meghalaya-Assam border dispute only during election periods, while failing to pursue lasting solutions.
CoMSO Chairman Roykupar Synrem said the unresolved dispute—now in its 54th year—remains a “political tool,” with genuine progress stalling after elections are over.
Synrem cited the flurry of activity before the 2023 state polls, including the formation of Regional Committees and high-profile visits by the Chief Ministers of both states.
He noted that after elections concluded, efforts slowed, despite months of political stability in Assam.
He questioned why contentious areas like Langpih, Block I, and Block II remain unresolved, despite close political ties between the MDA government in Meghalaya, the BJP in Assam, and the NDA at the Centre.
Referring to the Mukroh firing incident, where Assam Forest Guards killed local residents, Synrem criticized the Meghalaya government’s response as weak and accused it of hesitating to empower its police force to defend state borders.
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He also highlighted recent attempts by Assam officials to conduct census operations in disputed sectors, warning that such actions could undermine Meghalaya’s case in upcoming border negotiations.
Synrem called for immediate government intervention, warning that continued inaction puts areas like Langpih, Block I, and Block II at risk ahead of Phase II border talks.
He commended border residents for their protests and urged the government to move beyond conditional statements and take decisive action now.
(4FrontMedia news)
