SHILLONG : The Hynniewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBDRF) has declared April 13 as a “Black Day” and reaffirmed its commitment to continue the struggle for the re-transfer of Block I and Block II to Meghalaya.
In a statement issued on Monday, HBDRF Chairman Chandame Sungoh said that the day is observed as a mark of mourning, especially by residents of Elaka Labang Nangphyllut in Block I and Raid Nongtung Khyrwang in Block II. He stated that April 13 commemorates the forced annexation of these areas by the Assam government in 1951.
“It was on this day in 1951 that the Assam government forcibly annexed Block I and Block II from the Jowai Civil Sub-Division and merged them into the United Cachar and Mikir Hills, now known as the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council,” Sungoh said.
He asserted that the areas rightfully belong to Meghalaya and alleged that the annexation was carried out without the knowledge or consent of the indigenous Khasi-Pnar inhabitants.
“In reality, these areas should have remained within the United Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills, now Meghalaya. The decision was taken without the understanding or approval of the local people, who are the rightful owners of the land,” he added.
Sungoh further pointed out that the Assam government had acknowledged the issue and issued a notification on March 13, 1957, calling for a re-survey and re-examination of the areas. A joint inspection was subsequently conducted between February 17 and 20, 1958, by the concerned district councils, during which both sides reportedly agreed to return the areas to the United Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills.
However, despite these developments, the re-transfer of Block I and Block II has not been implemented to this day.
“Until the re-transfer is completed, the Forum will continue to observe April 13 every year as a Black Day,” Sungoh stated.
The long-standing demand for the return of Block I and Block II remains a key issue in the Assam-Meghalaya border dispute, with local organisations continuing to press for justice and restoration of the areas to Meghalaya.