Tura(Meghalaya),Aug 2: The continuing cases of border disputes along the Assam continued with allegations coming from residents of Meghalaya of the South Salmara C&RD Block allocating PMAY houses within what is rightfully Meghalaya territory.
Local Meghalaya residents identified at least 4-5 houses that are currently being erected in the Solairtek area near Phulbari in West Garo Hills while putting forward an objection against the same. Further they also added that many footpaths, a mosque as well as a college have now been set up along with sign boards proclaiming the land to be Assam.
The matter of Assam extending administration into land belonging to Meghalaya has been notified to the state’s authorities through the Deputy Commissioner of WGH though till now no real resolution has come about. Similar instances of such disputes have also been notified along the entire stretch of the plain belt that falls close to the Assam border.
Giving a history lesson on the intrusions made, the resident complainants stated that people from Assam have been pushing into Meghalaya, especially into Majhipara and Solairtek over decades due to floods. However once the floods receded, they did not go back but remained and began occupying the areas within Meghalaya.
In fact the situation became such that even the South Salmara police outpost is still lodged within the territory of Meghalaya.
The complainants added that not only were houses under PMAY being constructed but a mosque, roads and even Assam sign boards have come up in these areas within the territory of Meghalaya.
“The Assam government has constructed footpaths while setting up the South Salmara College and encouraging people from Assam to come and settle in these places. This is clear disrespect for the administration of the state of Meghalaya and its borders,” said the complainants.
The matter has also been informed to the local police administration though without an official sanction or order, there isn’t much the security forces can do.
Meanwhile upon being informed on the matter, the deputy commissioner of West Garo Hills (WGH), Ram Singh said that he awaited an official complaint to be made to him before any form of investigation into the matter can be undertaken.
