SHILLONG, Nov 16 ? A high-level meeting on Monday reconstituted the fact-finding committee to study the Assam-Meghalaya border imbroglio pertaining to the controversial Block-I areas in Karbi Anglong district of Assam.
The meeting, initiated by Union DONER and Tribal Affairs Minister, Patty Ripple Kyndiah, was attended by officials of Meghalaya and Assam and representatives of Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council (KAADC).
Held at Khanduli, close to the Meghalaya-Assam border, the meeting was attended by Lok Sabha member from Karbi Anglong Biren Singh Ingti besides a host of senior police and Government officials representing both the States.
?The meeting decided to revive the fact-finding committee formed in 2003. The discussion was that we should do something concrete on the problems faced by people residing in the border areas,? Kyndiah said while briefing reporters.
He said the first meeting of the fact-finding committee would be held at Jowai, the headquarters of the Jaintia Hills district, on November 29 next. The committee would complete its task within two months and has been asked to submit report by January 31 next, Kyndiah added.
Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of both Jaintia Hills and Karbi Anglong districts, chief executive members (CEMs) of both JHADC and KAADC besides local MLAs and MDCs are members of the newly-constituted committee.
The meeting which dwelled mainly on the terror campaign unleashed by Karbi militants on Khasi-Pnar villagers in several parts of the disputed area, decided to conduct a spot verification in December to gather information on the difficulties faced by the local villagers. Further, the committee would also decide on steps to provide protection to the affected people.
Kyndiah?s move has given momentum to the process of finding a solution to the vexed border dispute between the two neighbouring States. He also held separate discussions with the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya in this regard.