Shillong: Asserting that the Meghalaya
government was closely monitoring the situation in the
disputed areas along the Assam-Meghalaya boundary, Chief
Minister D D Lapang Tuesday a plan to set up police stations by both states in the disputed Langpih area is under
consideration.
"The matter is sensitive. We want an amicable
settlement of the boundary dispute with Assam. We are trying
to see if both states can set up police stations in the
disputed Langpih area to avoid any law and order problem,"
Lapang told the assembly in reply to a question.
A police outpost was set up by Meghalaya at Lejadubi
near Langpih in September, 2007, as the state emphasised
maintaining status-quo during a series of meetings in recent
past.
Referring to a joint committee, comprising government
representatives, forest and survey officials of both the
states, which was exploring the possibility of demarcating a
working boundary, Lapang said his government was not averse to
a 'give-and-take' policy but with the consent of local people.
"There are places where we may have to adjust. We may
have to give some land in one area and in lieu take another in
a different area," he said.
Asked by MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit if there has been
influx in the disputed areas, Lapang said "whenever we receive
such report, the police and administration take prompt action.
The administration is in constant touch with their Assam
counterparts."
Alleging that a building belonging to a Meghalaya
resident was encroached by Assam Police at Langpih bordering
Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills and Assam’s Kamrup district, he
said, "we have told them (Assam Police) to vacate it, which
they have done."
There are 12 areas of difference between both states,
according to Lapang.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 14:03