SHILLONG, SEPT 22: Police personnel were rushed to Maikhuli after groups attempted to close the gate to Madan and threatened residents on Saturday, Cabinet Minister and Jirang legislator Sosthenes Sohtun said on Tuesday.

Sohtun said he visited the village on Monday after getting calls from the Rangbah Shnong and women’s organisation about the incident.

“My visit to Maikhuli yesterday was after the incident that happened on Saturday where there were groups that came to Maikhuli and attempted to close the gate leading to Madan and they also made threats,” he said.

He said he immediately informed police and the Deputy Commissioner and escalated the matter to the top.”I also got to speak with the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister to take up with Assam and they sent police personnel to ensure that the residents can live in peace,” he said.

The Minister said he assessed the situation and met local leaders. “Yesterday I went to assess the situation and what happened and who were those who came to threaten and to show force in that place,” he said, adding Rangbah Shnongs expressed fear.

Sohtun said government wants border villages to live in peace without intimidation and is examining demand for permanent police posting.

“From the Government side it wants that the residents living on the Border live in peace and are free from any threats and attacks or intimidation. They have also requested to post permanent police personnel in that area,” he said.

He said he has taken up the request with the Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Home, who has directed the SP and DC to report and assess steps for permanent deployment.

On nature of border flare-ups, Sohtun said, “We cannot say that it is because of the border dispute but sometimes it is also because of people who want to take advantage to make an issue out of the situation that happened in Maikhuli.”

Asserting territorial claim, he said Madan falls under Maikhuli and the groups had no right over the land.”The Madan falls under Maikhuli village… they just came to forcibly encroach, it is not their own place. The district administration and the residents stood together,” he said.

He urged strengthening of outposts in sensitive border pockets.

“As an MLA from the Border I also have a message to convey to the Government especially to the Police that especially in the border areas where issues arise, the Police Outposts or police personnel should be further strengthened to ensure that our people live in peace,” he said.

On resumption of border talks, Sohtun said first phase responsibility has been taken and second phase should be expedited.

“I will talk with the Committee to expedite so that both Chief Ministers can hold talks to resolve the boundary again in this second phase,” he said.