Fencing in areas under adverse possession to be kept in abeyance

Shillong, Mar 22 (UNI) The controversial ongoing fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya sector today figured in the state Assembly, with the government assuring that areas under adverse possession would be left untouched till proper verification.

Local people living along the border have been protesting against the construction of fencing by National Building Construction Company (NBCC), fearing that a major portion of their cultivable land would be lost to Bangladesh if the existing demarcation was followed.

Chief Minister D D Lapang, in charge of Political Department, however, made it clear that fencing could not be raised from zero line, as demanded by the locals and some NGOs as the government had to adhere to guidelines set by the Union Home Ministry.

Replying to a question by Mr P T Sawkmie (Meghalaya United Democratic Party), Mr Lapang said as far as Garo hills was concerned, the fencing had more or less been completed.

In the Khasi and Jaintia Hills sector, fencing had been completed from Kaitakona to Rajapara and from Patharghat to Bholaganj.

In respect of the other areas (some border pillars in East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills), it was decided that in areas under adverse possession, fencing work be kept in abeyance till matter was sorted out with the Centre.

''In areas where the fencing lies beyond 150 yards, a fresh survey be conducted and a map prepared showing the actual positions of the fencing,'' Mr Lapang said.

Instrcuction had been issued to the authorities concerned to conduct survey on the said lines and submit a report to the government immediately.

UNI PRS SP LR SSC1434