Shillong, September 22: Cabinet Minister and Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun on Tuesday said he had taken up the recent Maikhuli incident with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, following which police personnel were immediately deployed in the area to ensure the safety and security of residents.
Sohtun said he visited Maikhuli on Monday to assess the situation following Saturday’s incident, during which a group of people allegedly entered the area, attempted to close a gate leading towards Madan and issued threats. “My visit to Maikhuli yesterday was after the incident that happened on Saturday where there were groups that came to Maikhuli and attempted to close the gate leading to Madan and they also made threats,” he said.
The Minister said he was informed about the incident by the Rangbah Shnong and a women’s organisation, following which he alerted the district administration and police. “I also informed the police and the Deputy Commissioner and I also got to speak with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to take up the matter with Assam. They sent police personnel to ensure that the residents can live in peace,” Sohtun said.
During his visit, Sohtun held meetings with village leaders, women’s organisations and Rangbah Shnongs from the Meghalaya side. He said residents expressed fear and concern following the incident. “Yesterday I went to assess the situation and what happened and who were those who came to threaten and to show force in that place. The Rangbah Shnongs expressed that there is fear,” he said.
Sohtun said the State Government wants people residing along the interstate border to live peacefully without facing threats, attacks or intimidation. He said residents have also sought the permanent deployment of police personnel in the area and that the matter has been taken up with the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of the Home (Police) Department. “They have also requested to post permanent police personnel in that area. I have spoken with the Deputy Chief Minister in-charge and he too has sent the SP and DC to report on the incident and to assess what steps to take to post permanent police personnel there,” he said.
Clarifying the territorial position, Sohtun said Madan falls under Maikhuli village and alleged that those who entered the area were attempting forcible encroachment. He said the district administration and residents of Maikhuli stood together following the incident and maintained that the people who entered the area had no claim over the land.
Sohtun further said not every incident along the interstate border stems from the unresolved boundary dispute, claiming that certain individuals sometimes attempt to take advantage of the situation and create tension. “Sometimes there are people who want to take advantage to make an issue out of the situation. The residents have their own apprehension because always the people living within our State want to live in peace and do not want any conflict,” he said.
Calling for stronger security arrangements in sensitive border areas, the Jirang MLA said police outposts and deployment of personnel should be strengthened wherever such incidents frequently occur. “As an MLA from the border, I also have a message to convey to the government, especially to the police, that in border areas where issues arise, the Police Outposts or police personnel should be further strengthened to ensure that our people live in peace,” he said.
On the second phase of Meghalaya-Assam border talks, Sohtun urged the State Government and the concerned regional committee to expedite the process so that the Chief Ministers of the two states can resume discussions on the remaining areas of difference. “I request the government, as well as from my side being in the government, I will talk with the Committee to expedite so that both Chief Ministers can hold talks to resolve the boundary again in this second phase,” he added.
