SHILLONG: The Hynñiewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBDRF) has issued a strongly worded “second reminder” to the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, expressing deep concern over the government’s continued silence regarding representations and letters submitted on the sensitive inter-state border issues concerning Block-I and Block-II areas.
In a letter dated November 13, 2025, addressed to the Chief Minister and senior government officials, the HBDRF, led by Chairman Chandame Sugnoh, stated that despite multiple formal submissions and even a face-to-face meeting, they are yet to receive any official response or update on the action taken.
Key Issues Cited in the Reminder
The Forum highlighted four key communications and engagements for the government’s “ready reference,” underscoring the urgency of the matters:
February 1, 2024: Letter addressing the “Matter pertaining with the issue of Block-I.”
June 25, 2025: Representation against the Socheng Amreng Border Development Committee (SABDC) for allegedly demanding land registration and re-establishment of an Entry Tax Gate at Khanduli Village.
May 25, 2025: A meeting held in person with the Honourable Chief Minister and senior Government Officials in Shillong.
August 13, 2025: Joint Representation urging for the inclusion and recognition of villages of Elaka Labang Nangphyllut (as Notified by JHADC) for administrative and electoral purposes.
’Silence is Deeply Concerning’
The HBDRF expressed dismay over the “silence on such critical issues,” citing the severe socio-political and developmental implications for the affected border communities and indigenous populations.
The letter serves as a formal ultimatum, urging the Meghalaya Government to intimate the Forum within two weeks from the date of receipt on the status and proposed course of redressal for the aforementioned matters.
The Forum concluded by expressing hope that the government will “respond in good faith and prioritize resolution… in the spirit of transparency, accountability and community welfare.” The action, or lack thereof, by the Meghalaya Government in the coming days will be closely watched by stakeholders in the long-pending border areas.
Background: The issue of Block-I and Block-II, historically part of the erstwhile United Khasi Jaintia Hills district, has been a central point of contention in the Assam-Meghalaya border dispute since the latter’s creation in 1972.
Phase II Talks: The areas of Block-I and Block-II are among the six remaining sectors yet to be resolved in the second phase of the inter-state boundary talks between the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya.
