Shillong: The Meghalaya government has termed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statement in the Assam assembly wherein he claimed Mukroh village under West Jaintia Hills district to be a part of Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district.
“It’s very unfortunate that the Assam CM has claimed Mukroh to be a part of Assam. We reiterate that Mukroh is well within Meghalaya and there is no dispute about it,” Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong told reporters on Monday.
“Why was such a statement made by the CM of Assam… I personally feel he shouldn’t have made that statement… it is very unfortunate… our stand is very clear on Mukroh,” Tynsong reiterated.
Stating that Meghalaya government’s priority is to start the second phase of the boundary talks soon, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “We would be initiating the second phase of the boundary talks very soon.”
In a written reply to a query by BJP MLA Bidya Sing Engleng, the Assam Chief Minister said, “Mukroh is within the geographical territory of Assam and falls within West Karbi Anglong district.”
Mukroh has been a sensitive subject ever since six villagers were killed after Assam police opened fire.
The Assam side claims they intercepted a timber-laden truck of smugglers and after they went to retrieve it they were attacked by villagers and had to open fire in self-defense. One Assam forest guard was also killed in the incident.
Meghalaya and Assam governments have already signed an MoU and settled differences in six areas out of the 12.
In the next phase of the boundary talks the remaining six areas of difference would be taken up for discussion for settlement.
