Meghalaya bans visit by Assam Ministers

Shillong, May 29 : Assam and Meghalaya are on a confrontation course over the vexed border dispute, with some Meghalaya-based local organisations calling for a shutdown to prevent an "illegal visit" by some Assam Ministers to a disputed area.

On Thursday, the State's Chief Secretary advised Assam Ministers not to visit the disputed place, in view of the 24-hour shutdown called by traditional organisations of the Lagrin area in West Khasi Hills.

Two Assam Ministers, including Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, were scheduled to visit the disputed area this weekend to lay the foundation of a health centre.

Chief Minister Donkupar Roy visited the area on Wednesday along with his ministerial colleagues to take stock of the situation.

Roy said: "The area belongs to Meghalaya constitutionally. The government will not allow encroachment on it."

The Meghalaya Government alleges that Assam has gradually encroached upon the area since 1979, besides pushing Nepali migrants to settle there.

Roy claimed that Assam has encroached 40 kms inside Meghalaya, and that laying of the foundation could bolster their claim over the area.

ANI