Shillong : Residents of the border areas under the banner of the Hynniewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBDRF) have announced a total boycott of all elections and warned of launching an agitation against the state government over the delay in resolving the long-pending Meghalaya–Assam border dispute.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, KHNAM working president Thomas Passah said that residents of Block-I had taken a resolution during a recent general meeting to boycott all elections, including the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) polls, Assam elections, and the upcoming Lok Sabha by-elections. He stated that the decision was taken to pressure authorities to resolve the border issue at the earliest.
Passah alleged that certain individuals affiliated with national political parties are attempting to campaign in border villages falling under Meghalaya territory to seek votes for personal gain. He said the forum strongly opposes such activities, asserting that the interests of the local residents must not be compromised.
He further alleged that the state government, led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, has remained silent despite repeated representations made by the forum. One of the key demands raised by the HBDRF is the recognition of villages that have already been notified by the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC). According to him, such recognition would enable residents to access essential documents required for various official purposes.
Highlighting the difficulties faced by the people, Passah claimed that residents from the Assam side are taking advantage of the situation due to the lack of formal recognition of these villages. He warned that if the Meghalaya government fails to act promptly, the forum will be compelled to launch an agitation in protest against what it described as the government’s slow response to a critical issue.
The HBDRF also informed that a final decision on the nature and course of the agitation will be taken after detailed discussions in the coming days.