SHILLONG, MAR 25: Residents of Block-I areas, under the banner of the Hynniewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBDRF), have announced a boycott of all upcoming elections and warned of protests against the government over the unresolved boundary dispute with Assam.
According to HBDRF Chairman Chandrame Sungoh, the decision was taken during a public meeting where residents unanimously resolved not to participate in any elections. The boycott will cover the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council polls, elections in Assam, and the forthcoming Lok Sabha by-election.
“We have taken this decision to ensure that the government gives due attention and resolves the boundary dispute at the earliest,” Sungoh said following the meeting held on Tuesday.
He also alleged that individuals linked to political parties from outside have attempted to enter villages under Meghalaya’s jurisdiction to campaign. “We strongly oppose such attempts as they are driven by vested interests,” he added.
The Forum stated that further decisions on the nature of protests will be taken after wider consultations, with plans to announce the course of action in due course.
Expressing concern over the hardships faced by residents in border areas, Sungoh alleged that the Meghalaya government has failed to act on the recognition of villages identified by the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) in 2022 and 2023. This, he said, has led to multiple issues for residents of the Labang Nongphyllud area in West Jaiñtia Hills district.
He stressed that the boundary issue is not merely territorial but also concerns the protection of land, rights and identity of indigenous communities. Sungoh questioned why these villages have not yet been officially recognised, despite residents facing difficulties in accessing essential services and documentation such as EPIC, Aadhaar cards and Scheduled Tribe certificates.
“One of the most crucial issues is the immediate recognition of all villages notified by the JHADC so that residents can apply for necessary documents,” he said.
Sungoh further alleged that despite repeated representations, there has been inadequate response from authorities at the block level. Recognition of these villages, he added, would enable residents to access government schemes and welfare benefits.
Residents in the border areas have long faced challenges including insecurity, displacement and lack of administrative clarity, with several Khasi villages remaining uncertain about jurisdictional control.
The Chairman informed that the Forum is currently gathering data from affected villages and will submit a comprehensive report to the state government and concerned authorities.
He also warned of potential illegal activities arising from weak border management, including unauthorised entry, conflicts and disruptions to agricultural activities, cautioning that failure to address the situation could affect peace and stability in the region.
Sungoh urged the government to strengthen coordination with neighbouring states and expedite talks to resolve the dispute in a fair and transparent manner, while ensuring that the voices of border residents are included in the decision-making process.
He appealed to the public to remain patient, avoid being misled by disruptive elements and support peaceful dialogue to ensure lasting peace and unity in Meghalaya.
