SHILLONG, MAR 3: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home Prestone Tynsong on Monday said several efforts have been made to resolve the border dispute, involving both state governments and community leaders.
Tynsong in his reply in the assembly said the government of the day sanctioned 7 border out post which are the Rani-Jirang BOP in Ri Bhoi district, Langpih BOP, Lejadubi BOP, and Umwali BOP in West Khasi Hills district, Mooriap BOP in East Jaintia Hills, Tihwieh BOP and Mukroh BOP in West Jaintia HIlls, to resolve and monitor border disputes.
In addition to these, the government of the day had also sanctioned 9 new police out posts in the state, and these are Mawkynrew OP and Mawjrong OP in East Khas Hills, Kyrshai OP, Athiabari OP and Malangkona OP in West Khasi Hills, Barato OP in West Jaintia Hills, Umpleng OP in East Jaintia Hills, Rongsak OP and Bawegre OP in East Garo Hills.
“The government remains committed in protecting the rights and security of the border residents and necessary steps will continue to be taken to address their concerns,” he added.
On the decision of Mukroh to boycott the just concluded JHADC elections, Tynsong said that the district administration of West Jaintia HIlls including the poeple department are working tirelessly towards ensuring peace and tranquility prevails in the area.
Their timely intervention in most of the disputes has undoubtedly prevented further escalation of the situation.
As a result of these efforts, the residents of Mukroh village reconsidered their decision and agreed to participate in the elections, he said while adding that the campaigning process was conducted smoothly, and the situation is being closely monitored to ensure continued peace and security in the area.
He informed that the general elections to the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) which was held on February 21, 2024, the percentage of voter turnout from 12-Barato Mukroh constituency was 84.63%.
“This figure speaks highly of the efforts that have been undertaken to ensure that people residing along the inter-state border exercise their right to vote,”he stated.