Assam ahead of Meghalaya in developing disputed area

Shillong | August 5  : Meghalaya's attempt to take on Assam in terms of development in the disputed border area of Langpih is at a lethargic pace. Although the Meghalaya chief minister DD Lapang told the state Assembly in June that his government would take on Assam developmental initiatives at the disputed place located in between West Khasi Hills of Assam and Kamrup district of Meghalaya, nothing concrete has been initiated by Meghalaya.
Assam has rather taken further strides in bringing about development in the area. Top officials in Meghalaya attested that the chief minister’s assurance on the floor the house had not taken shape after it had been conceptualized. During the last budget session of the assembly, Chief Minister D.D Lapang assured on the floor of the assembly that the special rural development funds (SRDF) would be given to Community and Rural Development (CRD) and starts developmental works in Langpih.
Apparently, not a single discussion took place at the Chief Minister or the Deputy Chief Minister (in charge of finance) or the Minister CRD level on how to go about in developing the disputed areas. "Assam has clearly set its target by developing the areas in order to ensure its claims over the disputed areas," stated a top official, while bemoaning about the lackadaisical pace that Meghalaya is going.
The Minister in charge of CRD Martin M Danggo told NNN, “Nothing has come from the SRDF and starting of the developmental works will obviously kick start when the fund flows”. He said that nothing has been earmarked till date. Langpih's traditional bodies that owes allegiance to Meghalaya have categorically maintained that as far as initiation of developmental works is concern, Assam is far ahead than Meghalaya. This statement assumes significance in view of the two government official understanding that both the states can undertake their different developmental works until the dispute over the area is resolved.