KSU wants border dispute solved

Shillong, May 16 : On the first anniversary of the Langpih firing today, the Khasi Student’s Union (KSU) has asked the government not to delay solving the boundary dispute with Assam.

Four Khasi villagers were killed and 12 others injured, when Assam police opened fire in Langpih on the Assam-Meghalaya border in May 14 last year.

Several NGOs today visited Langpih to meet the family members of the deceased and to pay respect to the departed souls.

The local body, Hima Raidmynsaw, organised a function at Langpih today and also decided to erect a memorial.

Besides the delay in the border talks, the commission of inquiry probing the Langpih incident since last year has not made any headway in its probe.

Reacting to the delay on the part of the government in finding a solution to the border dispute even after a year, KSU president Samuel Jyrwa said the government should act fast to prevent any escalation of violence in the near future, like in the case of Langpih. He said the talks between Assam and Meghalaya were delayed because of the Assembly elections in Assam and both the governments should avoid further delay in solving the border dispute pending for more than 30 years.

Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma said, “With the installation of the new government in Assam, the Meghalaya government will pursue the matter. The government is committed to a friendly approach in solving the border dispute not only concerning Langpih, but also other disputed areas,” he added.

Besides Langpih, there are 11 areas of difference along the Assam-Meghalaya border which awaits solution.

In October last year, the state cabinet decided to build a strong case to prove its claim on Langpih, with Assam asking for more documentary proof.