Assam-Meghalaya border row: KHADC opposes construction of ASTC transit camp

The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in Meghalaya has objected to the construction of an Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) transit camp.

The KHADC said that the proposed transit camp of the ASTC at Khanapara falls “well inside Meghalaya territory”.

Terming the construction illegal, KHADC CEM Titostarwell Chyne said that the Assam Government must immediately stop the construction.

The KHADC has also written to the Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup-Metro district in Assam on the matter.

“We have written a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup district asking him to intervene and stop the construction work as the land belongs to Meghalaya,” KHADC CEM Titostarwell Chyne said.

Chyne further informed that the KHADC has also written to the Meghalaya Chief Secretary and the Deputy Commissioner Ri-Bhoi district urging them to take necessary steps in the matter.

“Land owners of the plot, where the transit camp is being constructed, have approached the KHADC seeking redressal,” he informed.

Meghalaya and Assam share a several decade old boundary dispute. There are 12 areas of dispute, which both sides claim as its own territory.

The Meghalaya Government is likely to discuss the issue of boundary dispute with Assam during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the State on January 23.