Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. Mukul Sangma, on Tuesday delved into the historical context and economic potential of Meghalaya, emphasizing the region’s rich entrepreneurial past and the importance of fostering stronger cross-border ties for future prosperity.
Reflecting on the historical economic landscape of the southern slopes of Meghalaya, Dr. Sangma highlighted how areas like Dawki and Baghmara were once prosperous, driven by their strategic location and entrepreneurial spirit. “The people who resided along the Southern slope of Meghalaya, then, in unpartitioned India, were much wealthier. They were much more entrepreneurial in their attitude. Many of our people in the Southern slope, whether it is Dawki, whether it is Baghmara, were wealthier families. This is the historical background,” he stated.
Dr. Sangma underscored the importance of nurturing relationships with neighboring countries, particularly Bangladesh, to drive economic progress. “Depending on our relationship with the neighbors, neighboring countries, that’s why we always talk about let us convert the international border of the country into an international border of friendship and prosperity for the larger good of the people,” he remarked, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering healthier diplomatic ties.
Drawing attention to a significant proposal, Dr. Sangma explained the plan to improve connectivity between Meghalaya and other parts of India via Bangladesh. A committee comprising members from West Bengal and Meghalaya, including MLAs Dikanchi D. Shira and Winnerson D. Sangma, explored the possibility of establishing a new route between Hilly in West Bengal and the Southwest Garo Hills in Meghalaya. “This particular proposed connectivity is to connect the western part of West Bengal at Hilly with the eastern part of West Bengal at Hilly across Bangladesh. The distance is hardly 100 kilometers,” he noted, outlining the potential for a shorter, more efficient transit route.
This proposed route through Bangladesh, Dr. Sangma highlighted, would offer Meghalaya an alternative and more direct connection to the rest of the country. “This is a proposal which has been flagged before the Government of India. We have always talked about our access to Chittagong port prior to our partition. Prior to Independence, we were not very far away from the sea. We were not very far away from the port,” he added, reinforcing the region’s historical maritime ties.
With an emphasis on fostering peace and prosperity through regional collaboration, Dr. Sangma praised the efforts of successive Indian governments in strengthening relations with Bangladesh, citing examples of successful border agreements and mutual cooperation. “You have seen successive governments of India working on the healthy development of relationships with our neighboring country, with Bangladesh. We have done that border swapping. We didn’t have any problem because we had comprehensive and productive engagement with all the stakeholders,” he said, asserting that such initiatives set the foundation for a future of economic growth and mutual benefit.
Dr. Sangma concluded by stressing that these initiatives were crucial in turning borders into bridges of opportunity, rather than barriers, ultimately contributing to the economic prosperity of the region. “These are prerequisite things to create that environment of friendship, which can ultimately act as a springboard for furthering our economic ties for the progress and prosperity and benefit of our people,” he concluded.