Shillong, April 13: Chairman of the Hynñiewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBDRF), Chandame Sungoh, has stated that April 13 will always be remembered as a day of sorrow for the Khasi-Pnar people residing in Block I and Block II.
In a press statement, Sungoh recalled that on this day in 1951, Assam government, through Notification No. TAD/R/31/50/149, unilaterally transferred the Labang Nangphyllut Dolloiship (Block I) and parts of Raid Nangtung Khyrwang (Block II) to the then United Cachar & Mikir Hills, now known as the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council in Assam, during the creation of the District Councils.
He said this notification was issued by the Assam government in a high-handed manner, without the knowledge or consent of the Khasi-Pnar people, the original inhabitants and rightful custodians of the land, adding that this act has stripped the people of their rights and denied them justice.
He emphasized that the Forum, along with the affected communities, will continue to oppose what they view as an unjust and forceful annexation of their ancestral land. The movement to re-transfer and reunite these areas with the State of Meghalaya remains active and ongoing.
Sungoh also expressed confidence that the ongoing border talks between Meghalaya and Assam will address this long-standing demand, and that Block I and Block II will ultimately be restored to Meghalaya.
