SHILLONG, MAR 24: Residents of Meghalaya’s border areas under the banner of the Hynniewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBDRF) have announced a total boycott of upcoming elections and warned of launching an agitation against the state government for failing to resolve the longstanding boundary dispute with Assam.

Speaking on behalf of the forum, Thomas Passah said that residents of Block-I adopted the resolution during a recent general meeting. The boycott will cover elections to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Assam state polls, and the forthcoming Lok Sabha by-elections.

“The decision to boycott elections is aimed at pressuring authorities to settle the border dispute at the earliest,” Passah said following a meeting held on Tuesday.

He alleged that individuals linked to national political parties have been attempting to campaign in villages falling under Meghalaya’s jurisdiction, accusing them of seeking “personal mileage.”

The forum also criticised the state government led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for what it described as continued inaction despite repeated representations.

A key demand of the HBDRF is the formal recognition of villages notified by the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC). According to the forum, such recognition is essential for residents to access official documentation and basic services.

Passah said the lack of recognition has caused significant hardship for residents, alleging that people from across the Assam border are taking advantage of the situation.

“Due to the government’s delay, residents are facing numerous difficulties, and individuals from the Assam side are exploiting their helplessness,” he said.

The forum has warned that it may resort to agitation if the government fails to act promptly, adding that the nature of the protest will be decided after further deliberations in the coming days.