Tribals protest against Meghalaya-Assam border dispute

More than 600 indigenous Khasi tribals of Meghalaya participated in an indefinite hunger strike at the disputed Meghalaya-Assam border to put pressure on the state governments and the Centre for an early settlement to the long-pending border dispute.

The hunger strike was led by a 28-year-old youth from West Khasi Hills district, Pynshkemlang Nongshlong, and actively participated by villagers, including women and children.

S Kharlyngdoh, the district administrator told PTI, "We have send additional forces of up to one platoon and medical team has also been put in place just in case there is any emergency".

Magistrates, senior police officers besides a medical team has also been put in place, Kharlyngdoh said, besides officials from Assam were also on standby.

Meanwhile, the People's Movement, a group led by UDP MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit, which is spearheading the fight to solve the long pending border dispute with neighbouring Assam, also staged a one-day demonstration here expressing solidarity with the fast unto death agitation by the people at the border.

The delegation of the People's Movement would also visit Langpih next week to join Nongshlong during his fast at Langpih.

Langpih is a village bordering Assam where frequent aggression by Assam government has been resented by Meghalaya public.

On May 15, 2010, four Khasi youths of the village were gunned down by Assam police personnel during a clash.

Meghalaya and Assam have around 12 areas of differences along the border.