SHILLONG, SEPT 9: The Meghalaya government will take up with Assam the alleged attempt to force villagers in Langpih, West Khasi Hills, to participate in the census exercise being conducted by Assam officials.

Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday said he has directed the Chief Secretary to take up the matter with his Assam counterpart.

The assurance came after a delegation met him and alleged that villagers in Langpih were being coerced to enrol in the census by Assam.

“I have already asked our Chief Secretary to take it up with the Chief Secretary of Assam as is usually done. If the issue is beyond the control of the two senior officers, then we will step in,” Tynsong said.

He said the issue could be escalated to higher levels if it remains unresolved.

“If required, it will be taken up at the Minister-to-Minister level and then at the Chief Minister-to-Chief Minister level. I understand the problem faced by our people in Langpih,” he added.

The delegation also sought setting up of a temporary police camp or outpost in the area for the security of residents.

Responding to the demand, Tynsong said, “We will examine it. We already have two Border Outposts – one at Langpih and another a little beyond. I have asked both the Chief Secretary and the DGP to look into it.”