People's Movement of Meghalaya to demonstrarte on June 30

Shillong, Jun 26 : The People's Movement, a group spearheading the fight to solve the long pending border dispute with neighbouring Assam, will stage a one-day demonstration on June 30 here.

This was announced by United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit here today after the end of the three-day sit-in demonstration held across Khasi and Jaintia Hills districts on the issue.

Incidentally, the proposed demonstration is to express solidarity with the fast-unto-death of Pynskhem Nongshlong, a youth from Rambrai village in West Khasi Hills.

Nongshlong has decided to go for an indefinite hunger strike at Langpih from June 30 to put pressure on the State government to solve the vexed boundary dispute with Assam.

The People's Movement, also today informed that the youth will fast under the umbrella of the movement.

A delegation of the People's Movement would also visit Langpih next month to join Nongshlong during his fast at Langpih.

Langpih is a village bordering Assam where frequent aggression by Assam government has been resented by Meghalaya public.

On May 15, 2010 four Khasi villagers of the Langpih were gunned down by Assam police personnel.

Meanwhile, addressing the gathering at the end of three day protest, the legislator said, "This generation will have to solve the 40 year old boundary dispute with Assam." Mr Basaiawmoit also said he cannot be a silent spectator while Assam creates fear psychosis among the border residents of Meghalaya.

There was no point in talking with the Assam Government since it has betrayed the people of Meghalaya over the years, Mr Basaiawmoit said.

"When the two siblings are quarreling, it is the mother that comes and pacifies. Similarly, when two neighbouring states are quarreling, it is the Central government that needs to intervene and solve the problem,' Mr Basaiawmoit said.

Meanwhile, the three-day sit-in protest which ended today was observed all over the four districts of the state.

Earlier on May 29, Mr Basaiawmoit along with some Members of District Council (MDCs) and concerned citizens held a ten-hour long hunger strike at the State Central Library premises here.