THE Congress in Meghalaya is divided regarding the status of block I and II areas along Assam-Meghalaya border. Chief Minister D D Lapang and Member of Parliament P R Kyndiah are at loggerheads over the issue. While according to Mr. Kyndiah the areas were disputed and not under Assam, the Mr. Lapang said block I bordering Jaintia hills and block II bordering Ri-Bhoi district in Meghalaya were parts of Assam.

Mr. Lapang’s statement on the issue came under criticism from Mr. Kyndiah at a meeting in Jaintia hills last month, where Pnar refugees that fled the block I areas recently had taken shelter in Meghalaya. According to the Chief Minister, block I and block II were parts of the Karbi Anglong district in Assam. They had been transferred to the then United Mikir and North Cachar Hills district on April 13, 1951.

As majority of people in block I and II are Pnars, the Meghalaya government had been negotiating with successive governements in Assam for transfer of these areas. Mr. Kyndiah slammed the Chief Minister for the latter’s stand on the issue and added he was against any claim that block I and II areas belonged to Assam. Meanwhile, the state cabinet formed a peace committee to facilitate rehabilitation of the displaced families from the block I area, now settled temporarily at Shsniang in Jaintia hills. The Pnars fled in the wake of United People Democratic Solidarity and Karbi National Volunteer militants’ threat to them. Assam-Meghalaya ariel survey to asses condition of Pnar refugees In an effort to end improve the condition of the Pnar refugees, Assam and Meghalaya have carried out an aerial survey to assess the plight of the refugees residing in the Meghalaya jungles and assured to rehabilitate in Assam’s block I area.

The condition of the refugees is pathetic with children and the aged trying level best to beat the severe cold. Tattered plastic sheets covered the makeshift camps and people are having a tough time. Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang had promised to look into their problems and provide them security. He lauded the Assam for its sincerity to resolve the problem. Assam has promised full security and protection to the displaced Khasi-Pnar villagers of block I and appealed to them to return to the state without fear. It assured it would do everything to restore peace along the common boundary and central and para military forces would be deployed and if required army deployed in the affected areas. Assam government said discussions were on with Meghalaya to sort out the boundary dispute in various areas including block I and II. Pnar refugees complained that they have no faith in Assam police and demanded deployment of Central forces for their security.

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