Shillong (Meghalaya) , Dec 8:The Meghalaya High Court today directed that no physical demarcation and erection of boundary posts on the ground in Assam-Meghalaya border till February 6, 2023 .
The order was passed by the Single Bench after hearing a petition which sought a stay to the operation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Assam and Meghalaya on March 29.
In response to a PIL to stay the border agreement MoU on March 29 this year , the court wanted the Advocate General to file an affidavit in objection to the plea of the petitioners.
The court order stated ,“It is however understood that during the intervening period, no physical demarcation or erection of boundary posts on the ground,pursuant to the MoU dated 29.03.2022 shall be carried out, till the next date”
The next hearing is slated on Feb 6 ,2023 .
The petition was filed by four traditional chiefs – Syiem of Jirang R Hamberly Wahlang, Acting Syiem of Hima Mylliem Ainam Manik, Sirdar of Nonglang Sirdarship Pholasly Nianglang and cting Chief of Nongspung Syiemship Erald Jyrwa questioning the MoU between Assam and Meghalaya .
Advocate General A Kumar submitted that no interim orders are called for at this stage as firstly, the locus of the petitioner has not been established and further no irreparable loss would be caused to the applicants/petitioners, in the event the MoU is carried forward.
The Court however said looking into the nature of the matter and the submissions made by the learned AG, it appears that an objection in the form of an affidavit is necessary to be filed to enable this Court to consider the interim prayer as prayed by the applicants/petitioners.
Meanwhile , Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong while talking to journalists said that the talks between Meghalaya and Assam government for the second phase of inter-state boundary dispute process will continue until such time the Meghalaya High Court gives an order to keep it on hold .
