SHILLONG: In response to reports of the emergence of a new militant outfit in neighbouring Karbi Anglong, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma informed the Assembly that police presence along the inter-state border with Assam has been ramped up.
Addressing concerns about the advent of United People’s Front of Karbi Longri (UPFKL), the Chief Minister noted that while reports about the UPKFL’s formation have surfaced, there has been no specific intelligence or complaints from residents regarding extortion notes or threats from the group.
“Basing our actions on newspaper clippings about the formation of this new militant outfit, we have bolstered our police deployment in the border areas,” Sangma stated during his response to a call attention motion in the Assembly on Thursday.
Sangma mentioned receiving a letter from the Jaintia Students Movement (JSM) concerning the situation. He assured that the government, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and district administration, is working diligently to maintain peace along the border.
Earlier, MLA Nujorki Sungoh had expressed concerns that the new militant group’s intention was to create fear among the Khasi-Pnar people residing in the disputed Block I along the border between West Jaintia Hills and West Karbi Anglong, specifically in the Elaka Labang-Nongphyllut-Pangam Raliang area.
Sangma also highlighted the efforts being made to resolve the long-standing boundary dispute between Assam and Meghalaya. “We have initiated discussions with the government of Assam and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC),” he stated. Although specifics were not disclosed, Sangma stressed on the unprecedented commitment from both state governments to find a resolution.
The Chief Minister further announced that the two states are scheduled to meet in the first or second week of October for another round of talks. He specified a focus on areas like Khanduli, Psiar, Block I, and Block II, acknowledging the prevailing tension in those regions.
Regarding the establishment of primary health centres at Psiar and Moolber, areas situated in disputed territories, Sangma assured that the government remains committed to ensuring the well-being of the residents.
“We are aware of the difficulties in the area, and many projects are being undertaken to address these issues,” Sangma affirmed while promising to thoroughly examine all proposals submitted by the MLA.
