SHILLONG: Jirang MLA and Minister Sosthenes Sohtun visited Maikhuli village on the Assam-Meghalaya border following fresh tensions sparked by alleged vandalism and encroachment by a group from Assam.
The incident, which involved the destruction of a village wall, fencing off a public pathway, and locking a local playground gate, led to a heated confrontation between Maikhuli residents and the Assam group.
During his inspection, Sohtun listened to villagers’ grievances and acknowledged the frequent harassment faced by Maikhuli as a sensitive border area.
He pledged to arrange a direct meeting between village leaders and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, and to pursue the establishment of a dedicated police outpost and additional security personnel to safeguard residents.
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Sohtun expressed dissatisfaction with the recent Peace Agreement signed between Assam and Meghalaya, noting the absence of senior Assam officials at the signing and the persistence of violations.
He called for proactive intervention from both state governments and convened a joint meeting with local administrative and police officials.
The Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police from both states have committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring border residents’ safety.
(4FrontMedia news)
